Yahoo News Johnny Ball's Strictly "fix" claim draws legal threat
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Johnny Ball is being threatened with legal action over comments he made about his former dance partner Aliona Vilani.
Johnny, father of It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball, was originally paired with Aliona in 2012 but she dropped out shortly before the first live show due to injury, with Iveta Lukosiute stepping in.
Five years after he was eliminated first on Strictly Come Dancing, Johnny has alleged that original partner Aliona's injuries were not actually legitimate.
"It was a fix and it broke my heart," the famed mathematician told The Sun. "Aliona fell on a flat floor in flat shoes and said she had broken her leg.
"The next day she flew to the South of France for a pre-arranged weekend with her boyfriend."
He also made allegations about his second partner Iveta Lukosiute: "When I was knocked out she said, 'That's funny, my contract ends on Tuesday'."
Digital Spy has reached out to the BBC for a response to Johnny Ball's accusations, but a spokesperson for the Corporation declined to comment.
I am aware that Johnny Ball has made allegations regarding my fractured ankle during 2012 SCD, which I strongly deny. I have instructed s... pic.twitter.com/ogXuab9PG6
- Aliona Kavanagh (@AlionaVilani) October 17, 2017
Aliona Vilani strenuously denied the veracity of Ball's comments on Twitter, writing: "I am aware that Johnny Ball has made allegations regarding my fractured ankle during 2012 SCD, which I strongly deny.
"I have instructed solicitors and am taking legal advice in relation to his allegations. It's therefore not appropriate to comment further at this time."
Two-time Strictly champion Aliona Vilani, 33, last competed on the BBC One dancing competition in 2015, when she and Jay McGuiness took home the mirrorball trophy.
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