Strictly Come Dancing has been embroiled in a scandal, miring the wholesome BBC series in its biggest controversy in 20 years.
Since launching in 2000, the BBC dancing competition has defied the critics and fought off its ratings rivals to become one of Britain’s most-watched – and enduring – successes.
Everything changed in January 2024when Sherlock star Amanda Abbington publicly questioned her treatment on the series while under the guide of her professional partner Giovanni Pernice – something that led to an investigation into the show’s duty of care protocols.
Earlier this month, Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the series for mistreating Zara McDermott in the rehearsal room, while other former contestants, including Paralympian Will Bayley, have spoken out about their respective negative experiences.
The latter has dragged It Takes Two host Janette Manrara into the controversy. In a new interview, Bayley claimed an instruction made Manrara, which led to a life-changing injury, occurred as the dancer felt pressure from the show’s producers.
A BBC spokesperson told The Independent: “We have longstanding protocols for dealing with injuries if they occur and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required.”
Below is a live update of the furore as it unfolds
Key Points
Alleged Steve Backshall complaint resurfaces in wake of scandal
12:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
A Strictly complaint allegedly made by TV presenter Steve Backshall about his professional partner in 2014 has resurfaced in the wake of the scandal.
Backshall is said to have complained that Ola Jordan “bullied” him during his time on the BBC series, following which the pair were granted a chaperone to oversee their rehearsals.
A source told MailOnline: “Steve is a very bouncy personality, up for any challenge, but Ola’s harsh treatment has flattened him and made him lose confidence.”
Graziano admits to kicking Zara McDermott
11:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima has been dropped from Strictly over “events” he “deeply regrets”.
He appeared on the series with Zara McDermott in 2023 and, earlier this month, a video of a behind-the-scenes incident is believed to have been brought to the attention of the BBC.
The footage has not been made public, and the circumstances surrounding it are unknown, but it’s alleged that it shows Di Prima kicking the documentary presenter and former Love Island star.
His spokesman said: “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that. He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Graziano Di Prima admits he kicked Zara McDermott
Amanda Abbington isn’t holding back
11:02 , Jacob Stolworthy
Amanda Abbington, the first celebrity to draw attention to alleged mistreatment in the rehearsal room, is now considered the Strictly whistleblower
Over the weekend, Abbington described Giovanni Pernice as “cruel” and “abusive”.
Pernice has denied all allegations that have been thrown his way.
Amanda Abbington speaks out on ‘cruel’ and ‘abusive’ Strictly experience
Strictly Come Dancing scandal
10:36 , Jacob Stolworthy
Since January, Strictly Come Dancing has found itself at the centre of controversy – and things only seem to be getting worse.
We’ll be running through all the updates to keep you briefed on what exactly the scandal is about and will be reporting any developments as they occur.
For starters, here is a timeline detailing everything you need to know.
Timeline of Strictly scandal as two dancers axed from show
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