Strictly scandal – live: Graziano Di Prima ‘under medical supervision’
Things are getting worse for the Saturday night favourite
Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 26 July 2024 23:00 BST
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Strictly's Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington respond to being 'undermarked' by judges
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The professional dancer, 30, was sacked from the show earlier this month after it was alleged that footage existed of him physically and verbally abusing Zara McDermott in training during last year's series.
His family are now said to be “deeply concerned” about his wellbeing and are monitoring him hourly, according to reports.
Meanwhile, Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with her own set of allegations against another professional dancer, gave a tell-all interview in which she claims there are “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by partner Giovanni Pernice’s alleged behaviour.
On Tuesday afternoon (23 July), BBC director general Tim Davie made a statement apologising for the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show, and said the corporation “will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour”.
Key Points
Amanda Abbington claims there’s ‘50 hours’ of Strictly rehearsal footage that ‘horrified’ BBC producers
Strictly star says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’
Third star named as ‘person of interest’ in BBC series scandal
Strictly Come Dancing scandal timeline
2 hours ago
Amanda Abbington claims ‘Strictly’ pros sent her concerning texts about Giovanni
Amanda Abbington has alleged Strictly’s pro dancers texted her saying “I’m so sorry” after they discovered she was partnered with Giovanni Pernice ahead of last year’s series.
After the Sherlock star made the claim to her fellow 2023 contestant Krishnan Guru-Murthy during a Channel 4 News interview, he replied: “That’s a really odd thing to do.”
A tearful Abbington said people warned her it would be “tough”, but that she thought she could handle it “because I’ve been around the block a bit, you know?”
Amanda Abbington claims there’s ‘50 hours’ of ‘horrifying’ Strictly rehearsal footage
Abbington’s professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing
Inga Parkel26 July 2024 23:00
3 hours ago
Zara McDermott ‘danced through injury’ on ‘Strictly’
It’s being reported that Zara McDermott danced on Strictly despite having fractured her leg in rehearsals.
According to The Sun, the season 21 contestant made the decision alongside her professional partner, Graziano Di Prima. The injury occurred before Halloween Week, which is when McDermott was eliminated.
Producers are said to have only just become aware of the injury.
‘Strictly’ star Zara McDermott
‘Strictly’ star Zara McDermott (BBC)
Inga Parkel26 July 2024 22:00
4 hours ago
Strictly’s days of being the nicest show on TV are over’
The forthcoming series of Strictly had all the makings of a victory lap: a celebration of the show’s two decades at the very top of the entertainment game.
But instead, its sparkle has been tarnished by alarming accusations concerning at least two of its most popular professional dancers, a double whammy of scandal that has put its status as one of the nation’s best-loved comfort watches in jeopardy.
The drama has prompted serious questions about what has been happening behind the scenes on the BBC’s beloved show. Can bosses restore its dazzling reputation in time for the big anniversary in September – and more importantly, will the viewers buy it?
Katie Rosseinsky investigates:
Strictly Come Dancing is in crisis – its days of being the nicest show on TV are over
As at least two dancers face allegations about their behaviour during rehearsals, ‘Strictly’ bosses are facing a PR nightmare. Can the show restore its reputation in time for its 20th-anniversary celebrations, asks Katie Rosseinsky?
Jacob Stolworthy26 July 2024 21:00
5 hours ago
Third Strictly professional highlighted as ‘person of interest’
A third Strictly Come Dancing star has allegedly been named as a “person of interest” amid an investigation into the BBC show’s off-screen rehearsals.
It’s been claimed that the unidentified professional has been highlighted in the days after Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott on last year’s series.
Third Strictly Come Dancing star named as ‘person of interest’ amid scandal
The dancing show’s crisis seems to be worsening
Jacob Stolworthy26 July 2024 20:00
6 hours ago
Graziano Di Prima is ‘under medical supervision’ after ‘Strictly’ axe
Graziano Di Prima’s family have said they are “deeply concerned” for his welfare following his axe from Strictly.
They told The Mirror: “Graziano is currently under medical supervision, with the stress of the situation causing significant concern for his family, who are monitoring him hourly.
“The unrelenting feeding frenzy over these accusations and his mental state leaves him at this time unable to defend himself.”
His axing from the show arrives after he admitted to kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, in the rehearsal room during last year’s series.
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima on Strictly Come Dancing (Guy Levy/BBC)
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima on Strictly Come Dancing (Guy Levy/BBC) (PA Media)
Inga Parkel26 July 2024 19:00
7 hours ago
Craig Revel Horwood weighs in on ‘shock’ Strictly scandal
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has shared his view on the scandal currently engulfing the popular BBC reality series.
Horwood, who serves as a judge on Strictly alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton du Beke, addressed the scandal during an appearance on BBC Radio Wales.
“It’s a shock and news to me,” he said, claiming that he had heard about the allegations “through the press”.
Read more here:
Craig Revel Horwood speaks out on ‘shock’ of scandal engulfing Strictly
TV star claims he learned of the allegations ‘through the press’
Inga Parkel26 July 2024 18:00
8 hours ago
Amanda Abbington reveals hopes for outcome of ‘Strictly’ scandal
Amanda Abbington has said she does not want Strictly to end as a result of the scandal.
The Sherlock star stated: “I love Strictly, I always wanted to do that show. I think it’s a beautiful British institution. Most people on that show are wonderful and I’ve made some good friends on that show, I don’t want it to end.
“I want it to have a beautiful extended life because it’s Saturday night entertainment.”
However, Abbington said she “would like an apology” over her alleged mistreatment by pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, adding: “I would like this to not happen to women working in that corporation again and for it to be taken seriously.”
Amanda Abbington claims there’s ‘50 hours’ of ‘horrifying’ Strictly rehearsal footage
Abbington’s professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing
Inga Parkel26 July 2024 17:00
9 hours ago
Pro dancers ‘upset they’ve been hung out to dry’
Strictly’s professional dancers are said to be angry that ex-celebrity partners are “hanging them out to dry”.
As the show’s scandal continues, a source told The Mirror: “It’s causing untold stress and mental anguish to so many of them as every day there are new accusations.
“Yes, one or two of the celebs in the last 20 years might have had a bad experience but they are in a tiny minority. The whole thing smacks of ambulance chasing.”
Jacob Stolworthy26 July 2024 16:00
10 hours ago
Amanda Abbington reveals moment she first thought ‘Giovanni hates me’
One day after her tell-all interview with Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Amanda Abbington appeared on ITV’s Lorraine, which was hosted by Christine Lampard.
She claimed her troubles with Pernice started just three days into rehearsals, stating: “It was week one, the third day. I’ve got texts to the producer on the third day saying ‘This is awful, he hates me, I don’t know what I’m doing wrong’.’
The Sherlock star added: “I felt I had to speak up because I don’t want people to be frightened about speaking about if they’re being bullied or if they are in a difficult situation and they feel like they are not being heard.
“I do feel I have the right to say it was a toxic environment that I was in while I was rehearsing because it was. I know what happened in the room, and it would be remiss of me if i was to say it’s fine, I don’t want to talk about it.
“It’s important that women and men, because men get bullied as well, it’s important that women feel they are in a safe space where they can say this is inappropriate behaviour and it needs be recognised.”
Amanda Abbington details Strictly training texts she sent to producers about Giovani Pernice
Inga Parkel26 July 2024 15:00
11 hours ago
‘Strictly’ co-host Claudia Winkleman supports pros
As the Strictly scandal continues, the show’s remaining professionals are starting to rehearse for the forthcoming series, which will begin in September.
The show’s offiical Instagram account posted: “Day one of #Strictly 2024 rehearsals done! We can’t wait to share our new pro routines with everyone soon @bbciplayer,” to which Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman shared her support for the dancers with a selection of heart emojis.
Other stars to share messages of support included former contestants Annabel Croft, Fleur East and, one day before releasing his tell-all interview with Amanda Abbington, Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
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