Strictly Come Dancing bid farewell two professional dancers ahead of the new series and it’s now claimed that those remaining have found the scandal involving the show ‘tough’
The professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing have reportedly been “left entirely in the dark” by bosses over the BBC’s internal investigation into the long-running show.
Strictly has faced controversy over claims about what it’s apparently been like behind the scenes in previous years. Former pros Giovanni Pernice, 34, and Graziano Di Prima, 30, both left the show ahead of the latest series, which launches over the weekend, amid allegations about them.
It has now been claimed that the remaining professional dancers have found the scandal involving the beloved show “tough”. They reportedly fear each day, amid this year’s rehearsals, that other colleagues will end up leaving.
A source told the Daily Mail: “The revelations about their friends have been really tough on the other professionals and they’ve been left entirely in the dark about the whole scandal.” The source added: “They’re continuing to go into training each day to get ready for the upcoming series but every day they fear another one of their colleagues will be gone. They’re not sure who is going to be next.”
The scandal includes claims by actor Amanda Abbington, 50, who has said that she complained about her former dance partner Giovanni. They were partnered together on last year’s series and Amanda has made allegations of “bullying” and “aggressive behaviour,” but Giovanni has however denied “abusive or threatening behaviour”.
Fans are awaiting news on the outcome of an apparent internal investigation and the findings are expected to be released shortly. It was however claimed earlier this week that the results are being “delayed” over concerns that a party not favoured by the result could complain.
It was previously announced that Giovanni won’t be part of the new series, which launches on Saturday. He’ll be absent like former co-star Graziano, who left the show amid allegations over his behaviour in the rehearsal room after being partnered with Zara McDermott last year. Graziano has said that he “didn’t deliberately hurt anyone” and is “not an abusive man”.
Amid the controversy, the BBC previously announced that it was introducing “additional steps to strengthen welfare and support” on the show – which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year – moving forward. They are said to include now having a production team member present in training room rehearsals “at all times”.
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