As BBC’s flagship entertainment juggernaut Strictly Come Dancing returns for its new season, the show faces intense public scrutiny following a turbulent period marked by severe bullying allegations against professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, resulting in high-profile departures and formal corporate investigations.
Here is the kicker: for all the glittering sequins and Saturday night family viewing cheer, the behind-the-scenes reality has increasingly resembled a high-stakes crisis management campaign. But the math tells a different story about how reality television handles systemic friction, as broadcaster BBC Studios works to salvage its crown jewel format.
The Bottom Line
- Bullying Inquiries: Amanda Abbington’s allegations against Giovanni Pernice led to a 2024 BBC review that upheld some claims, culminating in a five-figure out-of-court settlement.
- Rehearsal Misconduct: Zara McDermott came forward with allegations against Graziano Di Prima, resulting in his immediate removal from the professional lineup following distressing rehearsal footage.
- Format Resilience: Despite historical scandals ranging from tabloid-heavy romance rumors to rigorous training disputes, the broadcaster continues to push the live entertainment property forward.
The Fallout of the 2024 Independent Reviews
The cultural conversation around television’s favorite ballroom competition shifted dramatically during the 2024 series cycle. Actor Amanda Abbington, 52, prematurely exited the competition and subsequently accused her professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, of bullying and harassment. Abbington branded her partner’s conduct as unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean, charges that Pernice steadfastly rejected while maintaining that he is a perfectionist who likes to win.
The ensuing BBC investigation upheld some, though not all, of Abbington’s complaints. In the aftermath, Abbington received an out-of-court settlement featuring a five-figure sum paid directly by BBC Studios, ensuring zero taxpayer funds from the license fee were utilized. The corporation also issued an explicit apology to Abbington, which she publicly characterized as a vindication of her complaint. Meanwhile, a representative for Pernice stated that he was pleased the report found no evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour. Pernice ultimately departed the show in 2024 after a nine-year tenure, while former partners including Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore also detailed challenging training environments.
Rehearsal Realities and Studio Accountability
The scrutiny intensified further when former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott alleged that her 2023 partner, Graziano Di Prima, had kicked and spat on her during rehearsals. McDermott detailed her hesitation to speak out, admitting she wrestled with the fear of public backlash and victim shaming before confiding in the BBC’s formal probe.
Footage reviewed by network executives proved sufficiently distressing to prompt Di Prima’s immediate removal from the upcoming professional roster. Through a representative, Di Prima acknowledged that he kicked McDermott once during rehearsals, admitting a mistake and noting that he apologized at the time. In his own statement shared via Instagram, Di Prima expressed profound regret over the events leading to his departure, attributing his actions to an intense passion and determination to win that impacted his training regime.
| Professional Dancer | Accuser / Contestant | Core Allegation | Resolution / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giovanni Pernice | Amanda Abbington | Bullying and harassment during 2023 training | BBC review upheld some complaints; out-of-court settlement paid by BBC Studios; pro left after 9 years. |
| Graziano Di Prima | Zara McDermott | Physical misconduct during rehearsals | Footage reviewed by executives; dancer removed from lineup following admission of a rehearsal kick. |
Tabloid Legacies and the Enduring ‘Curse’
Among the most memorable historical episodes was the 2018 uproar involving comedian Seann Walsh and professional dancer Katya Jones. Former contestants like Reverend Richard Coles have famously summarized the duality of the entertainment monolith, once describing the BBC hit as a wonderful show with a dark heart.
As the production gears up for its upcoming launch next week, network executives face the delicate task of preserving the lighthearted escapism that attracts millions of viewers while implementing stricter oversight in the rehearsal room. How the audience responds to the newly revamped professional lineup will determine whether the format can successfully turn the page on its most turbulent chapter.
What are your thoughts on how reality television handles the line between artistic perfectionism and workplace safety? Let us know your take in the comments below.
