Yahoo News Strictly scandal – live: Giovanni investigation result ‘imminent’ as huge star ‘signs up’ for 2024 series
Strictly Come Dancing is embroiled in a behind-the-scenes bullying scandal – the biggest controversy the BBC competition has faced in its 20-year history.
Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with her own set of allegations against Giovanni Pernice, has claimed there are “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by her former dance partner’s alleged behaviour.
Pernice has denied all claims and, on Monday (29 July), learnt the result of the BBC’s investigation into the accusations. The findings are yet to be made public.
Meanwhile, Graziano Di Primawas sacked from the show earlier this month after it was alleged that footage existed of him physically and verbally abusing Zara McDermott in training during last year’s series.
Last week, BBC director general Tim Davie made a statement apologising for the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show, saying that the corporation “will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour”.
Below are latest updates as the scandal unfolds.
Key Points
Strictly star says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’
Third star named as ‘person of interest’ in BBC series scandal
16:05 , Jacob Stolworthy
We will update you with the findings of the Giovanni Pernice result as soon as it rolls in.
‘Strictly’ line-up for 2024 ‘leaked
Thursday 1 August 2024 22:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
The Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up has allegedly been “leaked”, showcasing what would be its biggest line-up yet.
As the BBC competition’s scandal rolls on following accusations of behind-the-scenes bullying in the rehearsal room, the 15 celebrities participating in the new series have been “revealed”.
Find out which celebrities are allegedly taking part here:
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up ‘revealed’
Anthony Ogogo recalls ‘frustrating’ experience on ‘Strictly’
Thursday 1 August 2024 21:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Boxer Anthony Ogogo has claimed his time on Strictly Come Dancing was “frustrating” and likened the stressful environment to a “pressure cooker”.
As the reality show continued to battle a scandal over the alleged treatment of participants, Ogogo, who appeared on the BBC show in 2015, said on Sky News: “It is a funny one, the Strictly experience. They got me on the show when I was injured. I had just had shoulder surgery.
“It was weird, they really encouraged me to do it, said the shoulder wouldn’t be an issue and then when I got on the show, the shoulder was the reason I left the show.”
Read more here:
Former Strictly star Anthony Ogogo says show put contestants in ‘fishbowl of emotion’
Vanessa Feltz questions ‘kick’ that led to Graziano’s ‘Strictly’ firing
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:16 , Jacob Stolworthy
Vanessa Feltz, who appeared on Strictly in 2013, has questioned the “regretful” event that led to Graziano Di Prima being dropped from the show.
Di Prima was let go from the series after an investigation found that he mistreated Zara McDermott while partnered with her on last year’s series
“Obviously nobody, absolutely nobody, should hit anybody or spit at anyone or kick anyone under any circumstances, ever, in any environment,” Feltz told Closer.
“But, was it a case of a foot being out of place and another foot moving it into place? Dancing is physical, so if someone’s positioning isn’t right, it’s only natural to physically move things.
“But while it’s not clear what went on, some of what’s been reported between Graziano and Zara does seem unacceptable. At the end of the day, Strictly is a TV show, not an international dancing competition.
‘I’m a Celebrity’ eyeing Giovanni
Thursday 1 August 2024 16:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! starts every year in November – during the same time as Strictly.
It makes sense, then, that the ITV reality show will want to capitalise on A) the fact Giovanni Pernice is longer a part of the show, and B) he’s been at the centre of one of the year’s biggest entertainment stories.
If he’s cleared by the investigation into allegations made against him by Aamanda Abbington and Laura Whitmore, then he could be offered the chance to become a campmate.
A source at ITV told MailOnline: “As long as those at the top are satisfied that Giovanni isn’t a bully and didn’t behave inappropriately during Strictly, they will be signing him up. They are very aware of how much Strictly viewers will miss him. He’s a true fans’ favourite, so they hope he will draw in big audiences.”
Craig Revel Horwood says he experienced tough training style
Thursday 1 August 2024 15:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Craig Revel Horwood has said his former ballet teacher used to “whack” him with a cane when he was training to become a dancer.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge was appearing on BBC Breakfast, to discuss the scandal currently engulfing the dancing programme, which is facing scrutiny over the treatment of some of its celebrity participants.
Read more here:
Craig Revel Horwood says his ballet teacher used to ‘whack him’ as young dancer
Amanda Abbington reveals hopes for outcome of ‘Strictly’ scandal
Thursday 1 August 2024 14:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Amanda Abbington has said she doesn’t want Strictly to end as a result of the scandal.
The Sherlock star said in a recent interview: “I love Strictly, I always wanted to do that show. I think it’s a beautiful British institution. Most people on that show are wonderful and I’ve made some good friends on that show, I don’t want it to end.
“I want it to have a beautiful extended life because it’s Saturday night entertainment.”
However, Abbington said she “would like an apology” over her alleged mistreatment by pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, adding: “I would like this to not happen to women working in that corporation again and for it to be taken seriously”.
Amanda Abbington’s parents speak out on scandal
Wednesday 31 July 2024 22:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
In a new interview, Amanda Abbington’s father John said he is “worrying” about his daughter all the time.
“It’s the after-effects I worry about too. Will she be able to carry on with her career?’’
He said his daughter is “no snowflake” and has “thick skin” from her days training at drama school.
John said he and Abbington’s mother, Patsy, were looking forward to seeing their daughter on the dancing show, but it quickly transpired she wasn’t enjoying it.
“We were all looking forward to it. After the first show, she came back and said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Things only got worse from there,” he said.
“I knew something was wrong with her because I could see the change in her,” said Patsy. “She had completely changed.”
John said that Abbington’s partner, Jonathan Goodwin, had to “coax” the actor into the car each day to get her to the Strictly training rooms because she “hated it so much”.
“She missed a week because she was not well, and went back for one week and realised then that she could not take what was happening to her,” John explained. “Then [her doctor] diagnosed her with post traumatic stress disorder.”
‘Strictly’ line-up for 2024 ‘leaked
Wednesday 31 July 2024 21:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
The Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up has allegedly been “leaked”, showcasing what would be its biggest line-up yet.
As the BBC competition’s scandal rolls on following accusations of behind-the-scenes bullying in the rehearsal room, the 15 celebrities participating in the new series have been “revealed”.
Find out which celebrities are allegedly taking part here:
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up ‘revealed’ in leak
Former Strictly pro denounces resurfacing of ‘edited’ rehearsal clip
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
Former Strictly professional James Jordan has hit out at resurfaced rehearsal footage that shows him “mistreating” his celebrity partner amid the show’s ongoing scandal.
In the clip that’s being shared online, Jordan, who appeared on the BBC dancing competition from 2006 to 2013, is heard fat-shaming his celebrity partner, former Casualty star Georgina Bouzová, and telling her he would “drag her across the floor and scream at her”.
At another stage, Jordan throws a chair and says he “doesn’t care” if she’s “physically broken”. According to Jordan, “the footage was shot and edited together by the BBC team for transmission on [companion show] It Takes Two 18 years ago in specific ways for the purposes of ENTERTAINMENT”.
Read the full story here:
Former Strictly pro denounces resurfacing of ‘edited’ rehearsal clip
Anton Du Beke defended by former celebrity partner
Wednesday 31 July 2024 18:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
Former Strictly contestant Laila Rouass has defended her former dance partner, Anton Du Beke, after reports claimed she had complained to the BBC about him amid the ongoing scandal plaguing the show.
The Holby City actor appeared on the dancing competition in 2009, finishing in fourth place. At the time, the BBC was embroiled in a race row after reports emerged that Du Beke had said Rouass “looked like a p***” after having a spray tan.
At the time, he apologised for the use of the word, which is considered an offensive term and racial slur. However, Du Beke said that the term had been used as “banter” between the two.
Rouass denied reports that she had filed a complaint about the experience to the BBC.
Read the full story here:
Anthony Ogogo recalls ‘frustrating’ experience on ‘Strictly’
Wednesday 31 July 2024 17:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
Boxer Anthony Ogogo has claimed his time on Strictly Come Dancing was “frustrating” and likened the stressful environment to a “pressure cooker”.
As the reality show continued to battle a scandal over the alleged treatment of participants, Ogogo, who appeared on the BBC show in 2015, said on Sky News: “It is a funny one, the Strictly experience. They got me on the show when I was injured. I had just had shoulder surgery.
“It was weird, they really encouraged me to do it, said the shoulder wouldn’t be an issue and then when I got on the show, the shoulder was the reason I left the show.”
Read more here:
Former Strictly star Anthony Ogogo says show put contestants in ‘fishbowl of emotion’
‘Strictly’ co-host Claudia Winkleman supports pros
Tuesday 30 July 2024 22:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
As the Strictly scandal continues, the show’s remaining professionals are starting to rehearse for the forthcoming series, which will begin in September.
The show’s offiical Instagram account posted: “Day one of #Strictly 2024 rehearsals done! We can’t wait to share our new pro routines with everyone soon @bbciplayer,” to which Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman shared her support for the dancers with a selection of heart emojis.
Other stars to share messages of support included former contestants Annabel Croft, Fleur East and, one day before releasing his tell-all interview with Amanda Abbington, Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
Former Strictly pro denounces resurfacing of ‘edited’ rehearsal clip
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
Former Strictly professional James Jordan has hit out at resurfaced rehearsal footage that shows him “mistreating” his celebrity partner amid the show’s ongoing scandal.
In the clip that’s being shared online, Jordan, who appeared on the BBC dancing competition from 2006 to 2013, is heard fat-shaming his celebrity partner, former Casualty star Georgina Bouzová, and telling her he would “drag her across the floor and scream at her”.
At another stage, Jordan throws a chair and says he “doesn’t care” if she’s “physically broken”. According to Jordan, “the footage was shot and edited together by the BBC team for transmission on [companion show] It Takes Two 18 years ago in specific ways for the purposes of ENTERTAINMENT”.
Read the full story here:
Former Strictly pro denounces resurfacing of ‘edited’ rehearsal clip
‘Strictly’ crew provide evidence ‘in support of Giovanni'
Tuesday 30 July 2024 19:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
As the world awaits the findings of the investigation into Giovanni Pernice’s behind-the-scenes behaviour on Strictly, it’s been claimed that crew members provided information to producers that served a “huge blow” to Amanda Abbington’s claims.
The Mail on Sunday reported that this info allegedly includes messages from Abbington apologising to Pernice for her behaviour and thanking him for his support in the rehearsal room.
BBC announces new welfare steps after ‘Strictly’ bullying allegations
Tuesday 30 July 2024 18:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
The BBC has announced new welfare precautions to help look after Strictly Come Dancing contestants, following allegations of abuse that have shaken the flagship show.
A statement shared last week said: “Going forward, we will: have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times; increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer; and deliver further training for the production team and crew.”
Read more here:
BBC announces new welfare steps after abuse allegations
Graziano Di Prima is ‘under medical supervision’ after ‘Strictly’ axe
Tuesday 30 July 2024 17:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
Graziano Di Prima’s family have said they are “deeply concerned” for his welfare following his axe from Strictly.
They told The Mirror: “Graziano is currently under medical supervision, with the stress of the situation causing significant concern for his family, who are monitoring him hourly.
“The unrelenting feeding frenzy over these accusations and his mental state leaves him at this time unable to defend himself.”
His exit from the show arrives after he admitted to kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, in the rehearsal room during last year’s series.
‘Strictly’ pro dancers ‘upset they’ve been hung out to dry’
Tuesday 30 July 2024 16:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
Strictly’s professional dancers are said to be angry that ex-celebrity partners are “hanging them out to dry”.
As the show’s scandal continues, a source told The Mirror: “It’s causing untold stress and mental anguish to so many of them as every day there are new accusations.
“Yes, one or two of the celebs in the last 20 years might have had a bad experience but they are in a tiny minority. The whole thing smacks of ambulance chasing.”
Laura Whitmore alleges ‘inappropriate behaviour’ on ‘Strictly’
Monday 29 July 2024 19:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2016, has alleged she was subjected to “inappropriate behaviour” while on Strictly Come Dancing.
It had been reported that Whitmore had made a complaint in the past – but this marks the first time she is publicly commenting.
The presenter, who had an ankle injury during the show, says she “raised concerns” at the time.
Pernice has previously denied “threatening or abusive behaviour” allegations made by Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with him in 2023.
In an Instagram story shared on Saturday (27 July), Whitmore wrote: “I initially raised concerns back in 2016. I thought my experience was specific to me but I’ve since learned I was wrong.”
“The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop.”
She said: “I am not looking for anything, just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again.”
The television presenter went on to say she had not made an official complaint and was providing evidence of her experience to support the BBC’s investigation.
Third Strictly professional highlighted as ‘person of interest’
Monday 29 July 2024 17:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
A third Strictly Come Dancing star has allegedly been named as a “person of interest” amid an investigation into the BBC show’s off-screen rehearsals.
It’s been claimed that the unidentified professional has been highlighted in the days after Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott on last year’s series.
Third Strictly Come Dancing star named as ‘person of interest’ amid scandal
BBC announces new welfare steps after ‘Strictly’ bullying allegations
Monday 29 July 2024 15:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
The BBC has announced new welfare precautions to help look after Strictly Come Dancing contestants, following allegations of abuse that have shaken the flagship show.
A statement shared last week said: “Going forward, we will: have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times; increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer; and deliver further training for the production team and crew.”
Read more here:
BBC announces new welfare steps after abuse allegations
Paralympian Will Bayley says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’
Monday 29 July 2024 14:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
Another Strictly Come Dancing contestant has spoken out against their time on the show.
Paralympian Will Bayley appeared on the BBC dancing series in 2019 and was forced to withdraw six weeks in after tearing his knee ligaments in rehearsals.
He is now shedding light on his behind-the scenes experience amid a scandal that has shone a spotlight on the show’s duty of care protocols.
Bayley said the injury, which was caused after his professional partner Janette Manrara made him redo a jump after a “rubbish” attempt, has resulted in an excruciating pain he will live with “forever”
Read more here:
Strictly star says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’
What has Giovanni said about Amanda Abbington’s claims?
Monday 29 July 2024 14:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
In a statement addressing Amanda Abbington’s recent Channel 4 interview, in which she claimed there’s “50 hours” of Strictly rehearsal footage that “horrified” BBC producers, Giovanni Pernice’s spokesperson said:
“We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes. We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed.
“As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us. They do not resemble Amanda’s latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form. Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.”
Ex-Strictly contestant ‘not entirely surprised’ by scandal
Monday 29 July 2024 13:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Reverend Richard Coles has said he is “not entirely surprised” after allegations emerged about the treatment of contestants on the popular BBC show.
“Sometimes contestants coming onto the show are surprised and dismayed at how intense that relationship can get in rehearsal spaces,” Reverend Coles, who appeared on the show in 2017, told Good Morning Britain.
Watch the video here:
Ex-Strictly contestant ‘not entirely surprised’ after allegations about show
‘Strictly' bosses ‘considering axing’ five dancers
Monday 29 July 2024 13:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
It’s being reported that Strictly producers are considering dropping five of the show’s longest-standing dancers in the wake of the scandal that’s rocked the show in recent months.
The professional line-up was announced last month and the announcement arrived without Giovanni Pernice, who was dropped after being embroiled in a behind-the-scenes controversy with Amanda Abbington.
Weeks later, Graziano Di Prima was dropped after admitting to kicking Zara McDermott in rehearsals during last year’s series.
MailOnline reports that bosses are considering bringing a roster of new talent for next year’s series as they allegedly feel some of the show’s longest-standing dancers feel “entitled and untouchable”.
Find out which dancers are returning for this years series here:
Giovanni Pernice axed from Strictly Come Dancing 2024 lineup
Amanda Abbington claims she and her lawyer are trying to access 50 hours of rehearsal room footage
Monday 29 July 2024 12:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
In a recent interview with Krishnan Guru-Murthy for Channel 4 News, Abbington claimed that Strictly’s producers installed cameras in her rehearsal room after she raised concerns about Giovanni Pernice.
“Every Friday, after the next sort of five weeks, I would get the producer saying, on the Friday, ‘We just watched the footage back, we are shocked and horrified, we’re so sorry’. That was to my face on the Friday when we would go in and do the camera rehearsal,” she said.
“It’s out there. There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I’m not the one who’s blocking it. I’ve said anyone can watch it, but he [Giovanni] doesn’t want anyone to see it, which is quite telling if he’s got nothing to hide.”
Read more here:
Amanda Abbington claims there’s ‘50 hours’ of ‘horrifying’ Strictly rehearsal footage
‘Strictly’ pro denies complaining about show
Monday 29 July 2024 11:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova has denied making a complaint against Strictly.
After a MailOnline report claimed that the dancer had contacted the BBC to discuss her concerns about the show, she said in a social media post: “There have been lots of Strictly rumours around in the last few days and I just wanted you to know that I have not complained about the programme.
“I am looking forward to the new series and can’t wait for it to start.”
Bychkova will be paired with a celebrity this year after reportedly being left “devastated” to find she had been benched for the 2022 series.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Nadiya denies making complaint about show
What has Giovanni said about Amanda Abbington’s claims?
Monday 29 July 2024 23:12 , Jacob Stolworthy
In a statement addressing Amanda Abbington’s recent Channel 4 interview, in which she claimed there’s “50 hours” of Strictly rehearsal footage that “horrified” BBC producers, Giovanni Pernice’s spokesperson said:
“We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes. We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed.
“As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us. They do not resemble Amanda’s latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form. Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.”
Giovanni Pernice result arriving today
Monday 29 July 2024 10:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
The result of the BBC’s internal investigation into Giovanni Pernice’s behind-the-scenes behaviour is set to be announced today (29 July).
Pernice will meet with BBC bosses to learn the findings of the investigation, which was lauched after lcaims made by his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington.
Last week, Abbington claimed there were more than “50 hours” of footage that had left producers “horrified” by her alleged treatment by Pernice, who has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Laura Whitmore statement in full
Sunday 28 July 2024 11:17 , Ellie Muir
Graziano Di Prima is ‘under medical supervision’ after ‘Strictly’ axe
Saturday 27 July 2024 21:30 , Ellie Muir
Graziano Di Prima’s family have said they are “deeply concerned” for his welfare following his axe from Strictly.
They told The Mirror: “Graziano is currently under medical supervision, with the stress of the situation causing significant concern for his family, who are monitoring him hourly.
“The unrelenting feeding frenzy over these accusations and his mental state leaves him at this time unable to defend himself.”
His axing from the show arrives after he admitted to kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, in the rehearsal room during last year’s series.
Zara McDermott ‘danced through injury’ on ‘Strictly’
Saturday 27 July 2024 20:30 , Ellie Muir
It’s being reported that Zara McDermott danced on Strictly despite having fractured her leg in rehearsals.
According to The Sun, the season 21 contestant made the decision alongside her professional partner, Graziano Di Prima. The injury occurred before Halloween Week, which is when McDermott was eliminated.
Producers are said to have only just become aware of the injury.
Amanda Abbington claims ‘Strictly’ pros sent her concerning texts about Giovanni
Saturday 27 July 2024 19:30 , Ellie Muir
Amanda Abbington has alleged Strictly’s pro dancers texted her saying “I’m so sorry” after they discovered she was partnered with Giovanni Pernice ahead of last year’s series.
After the Sherlock star made the claim to her fellow 2023 contestant Krishnan Guru-Murthy during a Channel 4 News interview, he replied: “That’s a really odd thing to do.”
A tearful Abbington said people warned her it would be “tough”, but that she thought she could handle it “because I’ve been around the block a bit, you know?”
Read more below:
Amanda Abbington claims there’s ‘50 hours’ of ‘horrifying’ Strictly rehearsal footage
Every claim facing the dancing show
Saturday 27 July 2024 18:31 , Ellie Muir
Find out all of the allegations as the show continues to be under intense scrutiny.
Strictly in crisis: Every claim facing the under-fire BBC show
Strictly’s days of being the nicest show on TV are over
Saturday 27 July 2024 17:30 , Ellie Muir
“While other reality shows seem to traffic in exploitation and misery, Strictly has always felt like a beacon of niceness,” writes Katie Rosseinsky. “Strictly’s sparkle has been tarnished by alarming accusations concerning at least two of its most popular professional dancers, a double whammy of scandal that has put its status as one of the nation’s best-loved comfort watches in jeopardy.”
Read more below:
Strictly Come Dancing is in crisis – its days of being the nicest show on TV are over
BBC says it ‘does not recognise’ new allegations of toxic workplace culture
Saturday 27 July 2024 16:53 , Ellie Muir
Strictly is facing a fresh batch of claims today as former crew members from the production team allege sexist and sexualised comments, and a “tense, toxic and uncomfortable” working environment.
Read more below:
BBC says it ‘does not recognise’ new allegations of toxic culture at Strictly
Amanda Abbington’s parents speak out
Saturday 27 July 2024 15:43 , Ellie Muir
In a new interview, Abbington’s father John, 77, said he is “worrying” about his daughter all the time.
“It’s the after-effects I worry about too. Will she be able to carry on with her career?’’
He said his daughter is “no snowflake” and has “thick skin” from her days training at drama school.
John said he and Abbington’s mother, Patsy, were looking forward to seeing their daughter on the dancing show, but it quickly transpired she wasn’t enjoying it.
“We were all looking forward to it. After the first show, she came back and said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Things only got worse from there,” he said.
“I knew something was wrong with her because I could see the change in her,” said Patsy. “She had completely changed.”
John said that Abbington’s partner, Jonathan Goodwin, had to “coax” the actor into the car each day to get her to the Strictly training rooms because she “hated it so much”.
“She missed a week because she was not well, and went back for one week and realised then that she could not take what was happening to her,” John explained. “Then [her doctor] diagnosed her with post traumatic stress disorder.”
Ex-Strictly dancer Chloe Hewitt ‘shocked’ by complaints of abusive behaviour
Saturday 27 July 2024 15:20 , Ellie Muir
A former professional dancer on Strictly has said she is “shocked” by the recent complaints of abusive behaviour facing the show.
Chloe Hewitt, who worked on the show in 2016 and 2017, said her experience was “positive” and “genuine”.
She told BBC Radio Stoke that the professionals worked closely and were all “tight-knitted”.
“Anything like this as a show, there’s a pressure to always want to do your best,” she said.
“It always seemed like everyone was working together when I was on the show.
“My experience was nothing more than positive and genuine.”
‘Death in Paradise’ star Ralf Little reportedly ‘signs up’ for new season of ‘Strictly'
Saturday 27 July 2024 10:31 , Ellie Muir
Ralf Little, who played DI Neville Parker on Death in Paradise, has reportedly “signed up” for the 2024 series of Strictly.
It would be good timing for the actor after he left the BBC One mystery drama in March after five years in the role.
It comes as the show faces a wave of allegations concerning the conduct of some of its professional dancers.
The Independent has contacted Little’s representatives for comment.
Amanda Abbington’s parents say they feel ‘sorry’ for Giovanni Pernice
Saturday 27 July 2024 10:15 , Ellie Muir
Amanda Abbington’s parents have said that they feel sorry for Giovanni Pernice as he faces allegations of bullying for his conduct on Strictly.
Abbington’s father, taxi driver John, told MailOnline: “I’d feel sorry for [Giovanni] if Amanda wasn’t the one involved in this.”
“Like other dancers on Strictly he was put in a situation where he was expected to train people when he’d not been taught how to train. They were let out of dance school at a young age. Giovanni started at Strictly at 21 or 22. How on earth can you train people when you’ve not been trained to do that?”
Abbington’s mother, Patsy said: “We just want it dealt with.”
The pair said they noticed a change in their daughter after her first performance on the BBC dancing show.
“After the first show, she came back and said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Things only got worse from there,” said John. “Certainly, by January and February [this year] she was not the same girl.”
Strictly scandal: A timeline of allegations
Saturday 27 July 2024 08:24 , Ellie Muir
Here’s everything you need to know about the developments so far:
Timeline of Strictly scandal as two dancers axed from show
Friday 26 July 2024 20:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
Third Strictly professional highlighted as ‘person of interest’
A third Strictly Come Dancing star has allegedly been named as a “person of interest” amid an investigation into the BBC show’s off-screen rehearsals.
It’s been claimed that the unidentified professional has been highlighted in the days after Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott on last year’s series.
Third Strictly Come Dancing star named as ‘person of interest’ amid scandal
Craig Revel Horwood weighs in on ‘shock’ Strictly scandal
Friday 26 July 2024 18:00 , Inga Parkel
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has shared his view on the scandal currently engulfing the popular BBC reality series.
Horwood, who serves as a judge on Strictly alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton du Beke, addressed the scandal during an appearance on BBC Radio Wales.
“It’s a shock and news to me,” he said, claiming that he had heard about the allegations “through the press”.
Read more here:
Craig Revel Horwood speaks out on ‘shock’ of scandal engulfing Strictly
