By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
"Strictly Come Dancing" has been a hallmark of the programming for two decades. However, recent controversies have cast a shadow over the show, involving allegations against two professional dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, both of whom have since departed.
Pernice has denied accusations of abusive or threatening behavior during rehearsals. Meanwhile, Di Prima’s representative confirmed an incident where Di Prima kicked his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals last year.
which have been further enhanced by introducing chaperones for stars during rehearsals. Nevertheless, the unfolding saga has raised questions about behind the scenes dynamics.
Here is a timeline of key events over the past year
23 October 2023 - Amanda Abbington withdraws from Strictly
Abbington, paired with Giovanni Pernice, exits the show in week six due to medical reasons.
24 October 2023 - Abbington expresses regret over exit
Abbington posts on Instagram expressing her "deepest regret" for leaving the show, citing "personal reasons." Pernice also shared his disappointment on Instagram.
19 May 2024 - Giovanni rejects claims over teaching methods
Pernice denies reports of abusive behavior and expresses his intention to clear his name. Legal representation for Pernice contacted the regarding complaints about his conduct during filming.
29 May 2024 - promises fairness
The BBC commits to handling complaints with "care, fairness and sensitivity," following reports concerning Pernice.
10 June 2024 - Giovanni out of 2024 line up
Pernice is not included in the line up for the next series of "Strictly Come Dancing."
13 July 2024 - Graziano out of line up
Di Prima announces his departure from the show on Instagram, acknowledging that his intense passion may have impacted his training methods.
16 July 2024 - McDermott speaks up
McDermott releases a statement describing distressing incidents during training, which she hesitated to disclose due to fear of backlash. assigning a production staff member to future rehearsals and introducing new welfare measures.
18 July 2024 - Graziano spokesman admits kick 'mistake'
Di Prima’s spokesperson confirms the kicking incident, with Di Prima acknowledging his mistake and apologizing. McDermott's representative states that the incident led to Di Prima's removal from the show.
20 July 2024 - Revel Horwood says Strictly complaints a 'shock'
Judge Craig Revel Horwood expresses shock over the allegations, indicating that he learned about them through the media and will await the investigation's results.
21 July 2024 - Abbington accuses Pernice of 'cruel and mean' behavior
Abbington alleges Pernice’s behavior was "unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean," and claims the BBC had been aware of his conduct for years. Pernice’s spokesperson refutes these allegations. The BBC has reiterated its commitment to duty of care but declined further comment.
