Dancing On Ice pro eyes up place on Strictly Come Dancing lineup amid BBC controversy
A DANCING On Ice pro has set their sights on Strictly Come Dancing amid the latest controversy.
The beloved BBC One show has been left in crisis over a series of scandals involving pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
Both stars have now left Strictly after separate investigations into their conduct.
Despite the controversy, Dancing On Ice pro Vanessa Bauer has thrown her hat in the ring for the show.
The 26-year-old has revealed to The Sun she wants to compete in the ballroom.
Speaking at the launch of UKTV’s brand new streaming platform U, she said: “I would love to do Strictly.
“I think it’s time for a Dancing on Ice pro to be a celebrity on Strictly Come Dancing.
“We’ve had enough Strictly Come Dancing pros being a celebrity on Dancing on Ice and I think it’s time to switch the world.”
Vanessa also weighed on Strictly‘s rehearsals and said ITV record all of Dancing On Ice’s training sessions.
The German native explained: “Their training regime is obviously different to Dancing on Ice.
“It’s not entirely the same show. There are similar aspects to it. But yeah, of course, training is intense, it’s hard work
“I think on Dancing on Ice, obviously all our sessions are always recorded and we also have coaches on the side that are helping with spotting our lifts because on Dancing on Ice we have to have an added safety factor.
“So most of the time there are people around on the ice rink anyway.
“So I would be very surprised if they were to add another person onto the rink.
“I think they trust us as pros enough to know that our celebrities have the best time and we do as well.”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.