The recent controversies surrounding Strictly Come Dancing have left fans shocked and concerned about what really goes on behind the scenes of the beloved BBC show. The departure of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima amid allegations of abusive or threatening behavior during rehearsals has raised serious questions about the show’s duty of care procedures.
The saga began last October when actress Amanda Abbington withdrew from the show due to personal reasons, leaving her partner Giovanni Pernice without a dance partner. Pernice, who has denied any allegations of misconduct, expressed his sadness over their early exit from the competition.
Fast forward to May 2024, and Pernice found himself embroiled in further controversy as reports surfaced about his teaching methods on the show. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Pernice ultimately decided not to return for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Following Pernice’s departure, Graziano Di Prima also announced that he would be leaving the show, citing regrets over his intense passion and determination to win. This series of exits has left fans and viewers questioning the environment within the show and the treatment of its contestants.
In a brave move, former contestant Zara McDermott spoke out about her distressing experiences in the Strictly training room, prompting the BBC to implement new measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. These include having a production staff member present in all rehearsals and introducing two new welfare producers.
As the dust settles on these controversies, fans of Strictly Come Dancing are left wondering what the future holds for the show and its remaining cast members. The BBC has promised to handle any complaints with care and fairness, but only time will tell if these new measures will be enough to restore the show’s reputation and ensure the safety of its contestants.
