close
close

Strictly scandal – live: BBC Giovanni Pernice investigation’s outcome imminent as I’m a Celebrity rumour emerges

Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington react to their ‘underrated’ ratings by the judges

Do you really support
independent journalism

Our mission is to provide unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds the powerful to account and exposes the truth.

Whether it’s $5 or $50, every contribution counts.

Support us in practicing journalism without an agenda.

Louise Thomas

Be sure to come and dance is embroiled in a behind-the-scenes bullying scandal – the biggest controversy the BBC competition has seen in its 20-year history.

Sherlock Actress Amanda Abbington, who uncovered the scandal with her own allegations against Giovanni Pernice, claimed there were “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by her former dance partner’s alleged behavior.

Pernice has denied all allegations and will hear the outcome of the BBC’s investigation into the allegations on Monday (29 July). It was also claimed by MailOnline that Pernice, who is no longer part of the show, is scheduled to appear in the show this year I am a celebrityand the producers were reportedly willing to sign him for £100,000.

Meanwhile, Graziano Di Prima was sacked from the show earlier this month after it was claimed there was footage of him physically and verbally abusing Zara McDermott in training for last year’s series.

Last week, BBC Director General Tim Davie issued a statement apologising for the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show and saying the corporation would “never tolerate unacceptable behaviour”.

Below you will find the latest information on the further course of the scandal.

“I’m a Celebrity” has its eye on Giovanni

I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! begins every year in November – at the same time as Strictly.

So it’s understandable that ITV’s reality show would want to capitalize on A) the fact that Giovanni Pernice is no longer part of the show and B) the fact that he was at the center of one of the biggest entertainment stories of the year.

If the investigation into the allegations made against him by Aamanda Abbington and Laura Whitmore exonerates him, he could be offered the opportunity to become a roommate at the camp.

A source at ITV said MailOnline: “As long as those at the top are convinced that Giovanni is not a tyrant and that he will Strictlythey will sign him. They are very aware of how much Strictly The audience will miss him. He is a real fan favourite so they hope he will draw a lot of viewers.”

Jacob StolworthyJuly 29, 2024 10:45

Giovanni Pernice’s result comes today

The outcome of the BBC’s internal investigation into Giovanni Pernice’s behind-the-scenes conduct is due to be announced today (29 July).

Pernice will meet with BBC management to hear the results of the investigation launched following allegations made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington.

Last week, Abbington claimed there were more than “50 hours” of footage that left producers “horrified” by her alleged treatment by Pernice, who has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

(Getty Images for Zumba)

Jacob StolworthyJuly 29, 2024 10:15

Full statement from Laura Whitmore

Laura Whitmore, who worked with Giovanni Pernice in 2016, made a statement online
Laura Whitmore, who worked with Giovanni Pernice in 2016, made a statement online (Instagram via @thewhitmore)

Ellie MuirJuly 28, 2024 11:17

Laura Whitmore speaks out for the first time

Former Love Island Presenter Laura Whitmore, who partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2016, claimed she was subjected to “inappropriate behaviour” during her show. Be sure to come and dance.

It has been reported that Whitmore has filed a complaint in the past, but this is the first time she has spoken out publicly about it.

The presenter, who suffered an ankle injury during the show, said she “raised concerns” at the time.

Pernice has previously denied allegations of “threatening or abusive behavior.” Sherlock Actress Amanda Abbington, who was his partner in 2023.

In an Instagram story shared on Saturday (July 27), Whitmore wrote: “I voiced my concerns back in 2016. I thought my experience was just me, but I’ve since learned I was wrong.”

“The aim is to highlight a pattern of behavior that, in my opinion, must end.”

She said: “I’m not looking for anything, just acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it will never happen to anyone again.”

The TV presenter further stated that she had not made an official complaint and was merely providing evidence from her experiences to support the BBC’s investigation.

Whitmore competition in the show in 2016
Whitmore competition in the show in 2016 (P.A.)

“I know the BBC and all other broadcasters continue to do their best to get better, but for that to happen we need to raise our voices,” she said.

The Independent has contacted the BBC and representatives of Pernice for comment.

Ellie MuirJuly 28, 2024 09:17

Graziano Di Prima is “under medical supervision” after being released from “Strictly”

Graziano Di Prima’s family expressed “deep concern” for his well-being following his release from prison. Strictly.

said The mirror: “Graziano is currently under medical supervision. The stress of the situation is causing great concern to his family, who are monitoring him hourly.

“The relentless excitement surrounding these allegations and his mental state make it impossible for him to defend himself at this time.”

His eviction from the show came after he admitted to kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott in the rehearsal room during last year’s season.

Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima at Strictly Come Dancing
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima at Strictly Come Dancing (PA Media)

Ellie MuirJuly 27, 2024 21:30

Zara McDermott “danced despite injury” on “Strictly”

It is reported that Zara McDermott danced on Strictly even though she broke her leg during rehearsals.

Accordingly The sunthe season 21 contestant made the decision alongside her professional partner Graziano Di Prima. The injury occurred before Halloween week, when McDermott was eliminated.

The producers are said to have only now noticed the injury.

Strictly star Zara McDermott
Strictly star Zara McDermott (BBC)

Ellie MuirJuly 27, 2024 20:30

Amanda Abbington claims Strictly pros sent her disturbing text messages about Giovanni

Amanda Abbington claimed StrictlyThe professional dancers wrote to her “I am so sorry” after they found out that she had worked with Giovanni Pernice before last year’s series.

After Sherlock When the star made this claim to her fellow 2023 candidate, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, during an interview with Channel 4 News, he replied: “That’s really strange.”

A tearful Abbington said people had warned her it would be “tough,” but she thought she could handle it “because I’ve been through a lot, you know?”

Ellie MuirJuly 27, 2024 19:30

Any claim to the dance show

Stay informed about all allegations as the show remains under intense scrutiny.

Ellie MuirJuly 27, 2024 18:31

Strictly’s days as the nicest show on TV are over

“While other reality shows deal with exploitation and misery, Strictly always felt like a beacon of kindness,” writes Katie Rosseinsky.StrictlyThe show’s shine has been tarnished by alarming allegations against at least two of its most popular professional dancers, a double scandal that puts its status as one of the nation’s favorite comfort watches in jeopardy.”

Ellie MuirJuly 27, 2024 17:30

BBC ignores new allegations of toxic corporate culture

Strictly is facing a flood of new allegations today as former crew members of the production team accuse him of sexist and sexualized comments and a “tense, toxic and unpleasant” work environment.

Ellie Muir27 July 2024 16:53