Strictly Come Dancing latest news: Dancers ‘face axe’ from BBC show as bullying scandal deepens

Advertisement

Five professional dancers are reportedly in danger of being axed from Strictly Come Dancing as a bullying scandal engulfs the BBC show.

Producers are said to be hunting new talent who are less likely to feel ‘entitled and untouchable’ following recent claims of misconduct. Dancer Graziano Di Prima left the show this month after it emerged he once kicked Zara McDermott during rehearsals in an incident he said he ‘deeply regrets’.

The ballroom show had been under the spotlight since Giovanni Pernice was suspended amid allegations he was abusive to his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington. Mr Pernice denies the claims.

Follow MailOnline’s live coverage below

BBC ‘considers axing five Strictly dancers’

Strictly bosses are reportedly considering axing five dancers amid the beleaguered show’s misconduct chaos, reports The Daily Mail’s showbusiness correspondent Molly Clayton.

While rehearsals for this year’s series have already begun, it’s been claimed producers are on the hunt for new talent for 2025 who are less likely to feel ‘entitled and untouchable’.

The BBC show has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was ‘cruel and mean.’ He denies the claims.

It was followed by Graziano’s sacking last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara during rehearsals. Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with ‘how he remembers it.’

There’s the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable.

The fact that the BBC are even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and make every effort to ensure nothing like this happens again.

Good morning

Strictly come dancing professionals

Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s live coverage of the Strictly Come Dancing bullying scandal.

It has been reported that up to five professional dancers could be axed from the BBC show in the wake of misconduct claims involving performers.

The ballroom show had been under the spotlight since Giovanni Pernice was suspended amid allegations he was abusive to his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington.

While Graziano Di Prima left the show this month after it emerged he once kicked Zara McDermott during rehearsals in an incident he said he ‘deeply regrets’.

We will bring you all the latest news and reaction concerning Strictly throughout the day.

Key Updates

  • BBC ‘considers axing five Strictly dancers’



***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk