Television presenter Laura Whitmore has spoken out about her experiences on Strictly Come Dancing eight years ago, saying that the issues she tried to address back then are now coming to light. In an interview with The Irish Times, Whitmore revealed that she felt “gaslit to make it seem normalized” during her time on the show.
The former Love Island host was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2016, and was the seventh celebrity eliminated. Whitmore previously opened up about the toll the experience took on her mental health, describing herself as “broken” and feeling like she was portrayed as “blonde bait in a sequinned dress”.
Recent weeks have seen a wave of celebrities making allegations about their time on Strictly, prompting the BBC to launch a review process. Whitmore shared that she had raised concerns about inappropriate behavior she and others experienced, but did not name the individuals involved.
Pernice’s representatives have stated that they are cooperating with the BBC’s review process and have refuted claims of threatening or abusive behavior. The professional dancer will not be returning for the upcoming series of the show.
Whitmore’s revelations come amidst a larger conversation about the treatment of celebrities on Strictly Come Dancing. Actress Amanda Abbington and TV star Zara McDermott have also spoken out about their negative experiences on the show, leading to changes in welfare and support measures being implemented by the BBC.
As more stories come to light, it is clear that the entertainment industry is facing a reckoning with how it treats its talent. Whitmore’s bravery in speaking out may pave the way for others to come forward and demand accountability for their experiences.
