The recent controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing has revolved around the departure of one of its popular dancing stars, Graziano Di Prima. In a statement posted on Instagram, Di Prima acknowledged his departure from the show due to allegations of “gross misconduct” against his female celebrity partner.
The BBC made the decision to terminate Di Prima’s contract after being presented with video evidence allegedly showing him kicking dance partner Zoe McDermott. The Sun newspaper also reported claims of other physical assaults, prompting the broadcaster to take swift action.
Di Prima’s exit, along with another dancer Giovanni Pernice, has dealt a significant blow to Strictly Come Dancing, a show that has been a staple of British television for two decades. The controversy surrounding both dancers has cast a shadow over the show’s reputation and raised questions about the safety and well-being of the celebrity contestants.
While Pernice denies all reports of inappropriate behavior, the BBC has launched an investigation into the allegations brought by his celebrity partner, actress Amanda Abbington. The broadcaster has emphasized its commitment to duty of care procedures and swift action in response to any issues raised.
As Strictly Come Dancing celebrates its 20th anniversary, the departures of Di Prima and Pernice have underscored the challenges faced by the show in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for its participants. The BBC’s handling of these controversies will be closely scrutinized as the show moves forward.
The recent departures of Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice from Strictly Come Dancing have raised serious concerns about the treatment of celebrity contestants and the conduct of professional dancers on the show. The BBC’s response to these allegations will be crucial in determining the future of one of the UK’s most popular television programs.