They have seen two of their colleagues leave Strictly over allegations of abuse and harassment.
And now the show’s remaining professional dancers have revealed they have been “kept completely in the dark” by their bosses and have told of being left fearful of “who will be next to go”.
As Strictly returns for its 20th anniversary series on Saturday, sources at the show say they are finding the scandal “tough” as they brace for the loss of more colleagues.
A source close to the pair told the Mail: “The revelations about their friends have been really hard on the other professionals and they have been left completely in the dark about the whole scandal.
“They continue to train every day to prepare for the next series, but every day they fear that another of their teammates will leave. They are not sure who will be next.”
Strictly dancers have revealed their bosses have kept them “totally in the dark” and told of being left fearful of “who will be next to go”.
As Strictly returns for its 20th anniversary series on Saturday, sources at the show say they are finding the scandal “tough” as they brace for the loss of more colleagues.
Their fears come after Giovanni Pernice, 34, decided to quit the show after the BBC launched an investigation following allegations by Amanda Abbington that he had bullied her during training. He profusely denies the allegations.
And in July, Graziano Di Prima, 30, was sacked after admitting kicking his dance partner Zara McDermott. Bosses acted swiftly after seeing a video of him forcefully kicking her while she was on the ground.
Despite the show returning on Saturday, the BBC has yet to release its verdict on whether Pernice acted wrongly, although he is expected to be exonerated.
BBC bosses are panicking and worried about publishing their findings, fearing the looming possibility of legal action from the actress, 52, or Pernice if either of them is disappointed with the outcome.
The departure of Mr. Pernice, who was the longest-serving male dancer, and the subsequent firing of Mr. Di Prima left Saturday night’s main event reeling, as both dancers were beloved by fans and colleagues.
However, Vito Coppola, who won the show last year with partner Ellie Leach, is stoic about the future of Strictly. He said: “Honestly, we’re like a big family. And like a big family, we support each other. We’re like brothers, sisters and cousins.”
Amy Dowden, a professional who returned after missing last year due to a breast cancer diagnosis, insisted at the NTAs on Wednesday night that the investigations had not tarnished Strictly’s reputation.
The show launches on Saturday and will star artists including former England footballer Paul Merson, singer Toyah Wilcox and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.
Their fears come after Giovanni Pernice, 34, decided to quit the show after the BBC launched an investigation following allegations by Amanda Abbington that he bullied her.
