Strictly Come Dancing has been a hit with scandal ever since its inception in 2004, but the glitzy show has been even more rocked by a number of incidents in recent years
Strictly Come Dancing is perhaps most famous for its glittering outfits and the happiness it delivers to countless households every Saturday evening. Yet, the glamorous programme has also been hit by numerous controversies, including allegations of misconduct, offensive remarks, and the so-called ‘Strictly curse’.
For a dancing competition, it’s fair to say viewers have likely seen more turmoil than in EastEnders. BBC audiences have been taken on a rollercoaster journey, watching sudden and shocking departures, alongside criticism, backstage disputes, and even multiple bullying allegations, forcing the BBC to intervene decisively.
Given the challenges particularly in recent years and with the 23rd series approaching, we’ve examined five of the most significant controversies that have created mayhem for the bosses of this family entertainment programme.
Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice ‘bullying’ allegations.
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In 2023, Sherlock star Amanda Abbington was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice – but left early after only a brief stint on the programme. Her departure triggered a wave of speculation and gossip, with the Italian professional facing accusations of “toxic behaviour”, reports Wales Online.
Despite his firm denial of the claims, he was still dropped from the lineup. After maintaining her silence, Amanda finally broke it by labelling her ex-professional partner as “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”.
This led the BBC to initiate a formal investigation into his conduct. Although no evidence of physical aggression was found, six complaints of verbal bullying and harassment against him were upheld.
Graziano Di Prima ‘no longer part of the line up’
As the BBC began an official investigation into Giovanni’s allegations, former Love Island star Zara McDermott also accused her co-pro Graziano Di Prima of being “physically and verbally abusive”.
Following an inquiry into his behaviour, a BBC spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Mail: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. While we would never comment on individual cases it is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”
Upon hearing the news, Graziano expressed his disappointment on Instagram: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.”
He continued: “There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.”
Wynne Evans ‘let go’ from radio show and tour
Radio host Wynne Evans – perhaps most recognisable as Gio Compario from the Go Compare commercials, found himself at the centre of controversy after being axed from the Strictly Live Tour last year, amid allegations of “inappropriate and unacceptable,” remarks directed at tour presenter Janette Manrara.
He had already faced criticism from viewers, who spotted his dance partner Katya Jones uncomfortably pushing his hand away from her waist during the televised performances.
Katya dismissed the speculation as “complete nonsense” at the time, insisting it was untrue that Wynne had ever made her “feel uncomfortable or offended in any way”.
Shortly after his departure from the Strictly tour, Wynne revealed his BBC Radio Wales contract would not be extended.
He had stepped back from presenting duties and issued an apology for what he acknowledged was an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark made during the December tour. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he revealed: “I won’t be returning to my radio show. I’m gutted.”
A BBC spokesperson confirmed to The Sun that Wynne would “not be returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales and there are currently no plans to work with him,” in the foreseeable future.
The infamous Strictly Curse
Another significant controversy that has ensnared several contestants is the so-called ‘Strictly curse’. As we’ve seen previously, celebrities have often found themselves romantically drawn to their professional dance partners.
Comedian Seann Walsh and dancer Katya Jones were one such duo who landed in hot water when married Katya was spotted passionately kissing her celebrity partner in an alleyway. The comedian was also in a relationship at the time of the incident, with his girlfriend Rebecca Humphries publicly ending their five-year relationship following the revelations.
In a blistering social media post, Rebecca labelled Seann as “aggressive” and “controlling” after she’d confronted him about infidelity, also noting that she’d be leaving with their shared cat. During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show months after the scandal, Seann publicly apologised to Rebecca.
He confessed to the host: “I think everything she said in that statement is right. And I think if you lie and cheat on the person that you’re meant to care for and be in a relationship with, then that is a form of abuse, of course it is. All I can be is as sorry as I am. I hope one day that she’ll forgive me.”
James Jordan responds after being ‘sacked’
In 2014, dancer James Jordan was dismissed from the main cast of the show while his wife Ola Jordan continued as a professional in the series. According to the pro-dancer, he’d requested to stay on the show as a backing dancer – a claim that a Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson seemed to dismiss.
A Strictly representative addressed James’ departure at the time, telling The Sun: “James Jordan was offered a role still on [Strictly Come Dancing]. It wasn’t to be partnered with a celebrity, but it was to be involved in specials such as Children in Need, that sort of thing.They further stated: “But he declined that. He was offered a reduced role on the show.
“Responding to the statement on X, James said: “Yes, it’s true I WILL NOT be returning to ‘BURN THE FLOOR’…. Sorry, I mean ‘Strictly Come Dancing’…. do not believe everything the BBC have written in their statement. “
Things escalated dramatically when James appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and proceeded to spill the beans on what truly occurred behind those glamorous closed doors. During the programme, he dismissed his co-stars as “beige,” going on to declare that none of them possessed “massive characters”.
Strictly Come Dancing is due to return to BBC One later this autumn, if rumours are true, later September.
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