Former Strictly Cast Member Ian Waite Controversially Urges BBC Bosses To 'not Hire Italians' For The Show After Graziano Di Prima And Giovanni Pernice Bullying Scandal

Published: 13:39 EDT, September 18, 2024 | Updated: 13:42 EDT, September 18, 2024

Since Strictly began 20 years ago, Italian dancers have become a staple of the Saturday night show.

But amid the ongoing bullying scandal, much-loved former Strictly professional Ian Waite has made a controversial call to ban the nationality from taking part in the competition.

Giovanni Pernice, 34, quit the show in April following allegations of bullying by his dance partner Amanda Abbington and has denied all allegations.

Meanwhile, fellow Italian Graziano Di Prima, 30, has been sacked after admitting kicking his partner, Zara McDermott.

“Well, there is a connection. They are both Italian. And a little advice: don’t hire Italians anymore,” Ian said in the Getting Naked with Matt Haycox’s Podcast.

Former Strictly professional Ian Waite has made a controversial call to ban nationality from taking part in the competition.

Giovanni Pernice, 34, left the show in April following allegations of harassment. Meanwhile, fellow Italian Graziano Di Prima, 30, was fired.

He said: ‘One of the problems is that as professional dancers we were not given any safeguarding rules or guidance on how we should behave around our celebrity partners.

What is offensive or abusive if there are no clear guidelines?

“We had to figure it out ourselves.”

Amid ongoing harassment allegations, the 53-year-old dancer, who recently won Dancing with the Stars Australia, has spoken out.

He said: ‘There were times when I fought with my partner, yes. And there were times when there were even a lot of shouting matches, but it was for a good reason.

“Unless everything is filmed, it’s your word against theirs.”

Artists like Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace were adored by fans for their electrifying performances and undeniable charm.

Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly left the show last October after claiming she was abused by her partner Giovanni.

The show was hit by a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano was sacked in July for “kicking” his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.

Artists like Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace were adored by fans for their electrifying performances and undeniable charm.

The show returned on Saturday amid much fanfare, but viewing figures have not been up to the previous series.

As the 20th anniversary series of Strictly faces controversy, the BBC carefully skirted the issue during Saturday’s launch show.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden, who is now cancer-free, was a vision in a dazzling fuchsia ballroom dress, twirling as she showed off her incredible moves with her fellow dancers as part of her triumphant return.

Strictly’s class of 2024 features stars including EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.

Other contestants include X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.

Comedian Chris McCausland, who made history as the show’s first blind contestant, He has already become a huge fan favorite thanks to his wicked sense of humor.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 21st September on BBC1.