Strictly Come Dancing professionals returned to work on Monday ahead of the 2024 series with Kai Widdrington, Nikita Kuzmin and Neil Jones seen in the studio.
The BBC programme has been embroiled in drama. Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was “cruel and mean”. He denies the allegations.
Last month, Graziano Di Prima was fired following reports that he verbally and physically abused him. Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano apologized for kicking his ex-partner and added that other accusations do not match “what he remembers.”
On the way to rehearsals this week, the dancers downplayed the drama, with a smiling Nikita offering a peace sign.
Johannes Radebe, Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley also headed to the North London studio.
Strictly Come Dancing professionals returned to work on Monday ahead of the 2024 series (Kai Widdrington pictured)
The BBC show has been mired in drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended and Graziano Di Prima was sacked, but a smiling Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin ignored it.
Kai will return to the series after his separation from his fellow dancer on the show. Nadia Bychkova.
MailOnline has confirmed the former couple, who compete on the BBC series, split after two years together in June, at the end of their lucrative Behind the Magic tour.
The show’s “golden couple” were reportedly “emotionally distancing” themselves from each other, leading to their shock split after two tearful outings together.
It has now been reported that the couple were battling off-stage issues during their tour and the pressure of Being in each other’s space 24/7 eventually “took its toll” on their relationship.
On Friday, Ukrainian dancer Nikita, 26, revealed he was preparing to return to the Strictly Come Dancing training room “in five days”.
He made the comment while performing his final show with Layton Williams, where he confirmed that he was preparing to meet his new celebrity partner, Sun reports.
There was yet more drama for Strictly over the weekend as Amanda made fresh complaints and it was revealed a dancer is facing bullying allegations.
In her first interview since leaving Strictly Come Dancing in October, the 50-year-old actress said Giovanni’s behaviour was “unnecessary”.
The group was also joined by Carlos Gu, who looked dapper in a vest and jeans.
Lauren Oakley and Johannes Radebe headed to practice with Kai
On Friday, Ukrainian dancer Nikita, 26, revealed he was preparing to return to the Strictly Come Dancing training room “in five days”.
Kai will return to the series following his split from fellow dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
MailOnline has confirmed the former couple, who compete on the BBC series, split after two years together in June, at the end of their lucrative Behind the Magic tour.
Lauren looked chic in a crop top and striped trousers as she arrived for rehearsals, while Carlos also showed off his sense of style.
The dancer brought some lunch from Whole Foods.
Amanda abruptly quit the BBC show citing “personal issues” and has not been seen on screen since, even quitting social media last month in the wake of her former dance partner’s sacking.
Giovanni, 33, has been suspended pending a BBC investigation into allegations made by Abbington and two other celebrity exes.
In an interview with SunAmanda said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour to be unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t stand by and let him do that to other people.”
She continued: “I had to think long and hard before filing a complaint because I knew the backlash I would receive. But I couldn’t have lived with myself for the people who would be on that show in the future.”
Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his partner, celebrity Amanda Abbington, accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was “cruel and mean”. He denies the allegations (Giovanni and Amanda were spotted together in October)
Last month, Graziano was fired over reports that he had physically and verbally abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano has since apologized (pictured together)