Strictly Come Dancing bosses have revealed the future of the show amid ongoing abuse allegations.
Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 31, has been axed from the BBC show following reports he “punched and kicked” his ex-partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals last year.
It comes just weeks after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended pending a BBC investigation into allegations of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other celebrity exes.
Despite the series reportedly going into crisis after several celebrities complained about their treatment, it has been confirmed that the show will be returning.
Squashing any rumors that the show will be discontinued, Sun A new statement reportedly read: ‘Strictly Come Dancing will bring the sparkle back to Saturday nights on BBC One later this year.
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have revealed the future of the show amid ongoing abuse allegations (Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott pictured)
Despite the series reportedly going into crisis after several celebrities complained about their treatment, it has been confirmed that the show will return (Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington pictured)
Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 31, has been axed from the BBC show following reports he “punched and kicked” his ex-partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals last year.
“And ahead of this year’s live shows, we have the exciting opportunity to experience a taste of the magical studio experience by pre-ordering tickets to see our Strictly professionals in action.”
The beloved show will return to our screens as usual, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Judging 15 new celebrities in the iconic ballroom will be Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
The return comes as BBC bosses announced they would be introducing “additional measures to strengthen wellbeing and support on the show”.
A statement from the corporation said: “The concerns that have been raised in recent months have been primarily about training and rehearsals. The measures we are announcing today are designed to address these.”
New measures include the presence of a member of the production team during rehearsals in the training room at all times and increased support for both celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
A celebrity wellness producer and a professional dancer wellness producer will be appointed to fulfill these additional duties, and additional training will also be provided for the production team and staff.
Kate Phillips, director of BBC Unscripted, said: ‘While we know our programmes have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised or inappropriate behaviour is reported to us we will always take it seriously and act on it.
The beloved show will return to our screens as usual, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal on Tuesday morning.
She shared that within the training room with Graziano there were ‘particular incidents that are incredibly distressing’
After it was revealed that Graziano had been sacked by the BBC, he took to Instagram the same day to write: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.”
Zara explained that she did not report the incidents at the time because she was “afraid” of a backlash.
“The concerns that have been raised relate primarily to training and rehearsals. The decisive measures we have taken and announced today serve to further strengthen the well-being and support of all those involved in this production.”
Former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal on Tuesday morning, writing on Instagram that while much of her time on Strictly “was everything I could have dreamed of” inside the training room with Graziano, there were “particular incidents that are incredibly distressing”.
“I felt it was only right to post something about the recent media reports,” Zara began. “Strictly is one of the most magical shows on television and one I have dreamed of being on since I was a little girl.”
“When I was invited to take part in the show, it was like a childhood dream had come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly would entail and I put my all into it.”
“I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to give whatever was necessary.”
“And so much of my experience on Strictly was everything I could have dreamed of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes, as well as my fellow contestants, were amazing.
‘However, my experience inside the training room was very different. There have been reports published about the treatment I received on the show and there were witnesses to some of the incidents, as well as videos of specific incidents that are incredibly distressing to watch.’
Zara explained that she did not report the incidents at the time because she was “afraid” of suffering negative reactions.
The return comes as BBC bosses announced they would be introducing “additional measures to strengthen wellbeing and support on the show”.
New measures include the presence of a member of the production team during rehearsals in the training room at all times and increased support for both celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
Instead, it was junior production staff members who came forward to share what they had witnessed while conducting the investigation into professional dancer Giovanni.
Commenting on 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.
“In accordance with the BBC’s HR process, I understand that it is in the best interests of the programme for me to step down.”
He continued: ‘While there are aspects of this story that involve outside influences that I cannot discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
‘I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success for the future.’
She concluded her message: “I would also like to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
