Debbie McGee has revealed she has been asked to give evidence in a BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing.
Dancer Giovanni Pernice has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda Abbington and two other former celebrity dance partners. Giovanni has vehemently denied the allegations.
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima was fired from the show following similar allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.
Debbie, who worked with Giovanni on the 2017 series, appeared on GB News on Thursday where she confirmed she had been asked to take part in the investigation.
She said: ‘I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it or not, but yes, I have been asked to participate in the investigation.’
Debbie McGee has revealed she has been asked to give evidence in a BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing
Debbie, who worked with Giovanni Pernice on the 2017 series, appeared on GB News on Thursday where she confirmed she had been asked to take part in the investigation.
‘As you know, it’s all very secret and I’m sure everyone who ever danced with him and people who worked alongside him will have been asked to give evidence, so I just hope everything works out for everyone.’
The TV star also spoke about her time on Strictly, saying she had an “amazing time” and believes the new series will be just as good despite the scandal.
She said: ‘I think it will be as wonderful as it has always been. It’s an inspiring show, isn’t it? It’s got glamour, everything. There’s nothing that makes you feel sad.
‘I had an amazing time. Giovanni was my partner and it remains a life-changing experience for me. And at that point in my life too, it was a year after Paul, my late husband, passed away.
“It was a really tough time and it completely took me out of all the pain. And everyone on the show is so lovely, it’s like a big family.
‘And my experience with Giovanni, I know other people have said they had a different experience, but mine was that he really took care of me through my grief and we had a great time. Great memories.
“I’m sure they’ll do it very thoroughly, and the fact that it’s taking quite a while is because they’re really digging into it to make sure they make the right decision in the end.
‘And I think a lot of people will be invited to give their experience of Strictly, so I just hope at the end of the day I don’t want anyone to be bullied, I’m really against all that, but we’re all different.
She said: “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it or not, but yes, I have been asked to participate in the investigation.”
The TV star also spoke about her time on Strictly, saying she had an “amazing time” and believes the new series will be just as good despite the scandal.
‘People may react differently to different circumstances, or you just don’t have a chemistry with someone that someone else might have.
“I don’t know what happened, but I’m sure they will investigate it thoroughly before making any decision.”
The investigation that began with allegations against Giovanni has expanded following more complaints surrounding the hit show.
This has caused even more uproar for Strictly, which is considered the jewel in the corporation’s crown and is still watched by more than ten million people.
Sources told the Mail that the allegations prompted bosses to widen the investigation to look into other matters and individuals involved with the dance series as it prepares for its 20th anniversary.
It means Giovanni, who has already made his frustrations about the investigation clear, has faced an even longer wait for an outcome after three former dance partners, including Amanda, ordered their lawyers to lodge “serious complaints” about his conduct.
It also threatens to damage Strictly, the BBC’s biggest Saturday night hit since The Generation Game.
A TV source previously told the Mail: ‘This investigation is no longer just about Giovanni, it is about wider issues. The show has been running for 20 years and the whole look of Strictly is so glossy and charming that of course there will always be people who feel wronged.
Giovanni Pernice has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda Abbington
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima was fired from the show following similar allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott.
‘Amanda’s complaints have started something massive, they have opened the door for others to come forward and express things they are not happy with.
‘It’s a huge headache for the BBC, which is about to celebrate a major milestone: its 20th anniversary.
‘The complaint against Giovanni has already been a big enough problem, but now it seems there is more to examine and analyze.’
Sources close to Giovanni say he fully expects to be exonerated.
Experts also say the expanded investigation will now portray the Sicilian star as possibly a “minor fish” in Strictly’s potential downfall.
He quit the show after Sherlock and Mr Selfridge star Amanda claimed he bullied her during training – claims he denies.
In May it was revealed that she had hired London law firm Carter Ruck to represent her against the BBC.
A source told the publication: “The BBC is under enormous pressure to finish this investigation before September 14, when the new series begins.”
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima was fired from the show following similar allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.
Confirming his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regime.
‘While I respect the BBC’s HR process, I recognise that for the sake of the programme it is right that I step away. I am saddened that I have not been allowed to give a quote to Online News and appreciate the sensitivity of the situation.
“There is more to this story that I cannot comment on at this time, but I am committed to staying strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family every success in the future.”
