Strictly Come Dancing’s future as BBC show in crisis

Strictly Come Dancing may be in crisis but it begs the question, what does this mean for the future of the BBC show?

The 20th anniversary plans threaten to be overshadowed by claims of misconduct. This weekend it emerged the BBC sacked Graziano Di Prima last week after claims of misconduct against his 2023 series dance partner Zara McDermott.

Press Box entertainment and TV PR, Lynn Carratt, has shone a light on Strictly’s future and she remains confident the BBC show will not be shaken by the drama. The publicity expert pointed out the BBC show has overcome a number of scandals in the past, including the infamous Strictly curse where celebrities and professional dancers have fallen in love.

Ms Carratt told Yahoo: “Strictly has weathered lots of storms over years and always come back stronger and I can’t see this being any different. It is the BBC’s biggest series and the show must go on. I believe once it is back on TV screens viewers will tune in and make it a ratings winner.”

“It’s a great idea to bring Aljaz Skorjanec back, he is popular with viewers, he has a likability about him and a wholesome family image, with wife Janette Manrara who hosts Strictly: It Takes two, which is just what Strictly needs at the moment,” she added.

“I think it’s important to remember that the Strictly brand is more significant than any celebrity, judge or dancer and over the years, there have been many interpersonal dramas associated with the show, mainly involving the dancers’ partners.”

Strictly in crisis

Graziano Di Prima sacked

This weekend it was reported that Di Prima was dropped from the 2024 line-up just 48 hours after BBC bosses were presented with video evidence. Di Prima said in a statement: “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.”

The BBC said in a statement: “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.”

Di Prima also said in his statement: “Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away. While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”

Giovanni Pernice’s exit

It comes as the BBC have been investigating allegations about “serious workplace misconduct” on Strictly after Amanda Abbington left the 2023 show early and later claimed Giovanni Pernice’s teaching methods were “militant”. Pernice has denied any suggestion of “any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour” and looks forward to clearing his name. The dancer left the BBC show after nine years.

Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas has given Pernice her public support, saying: “The truth will prevail.” Ballas has defended Pernice as a gentleman and she has praised his kindness towards her especially when her mum was unwell.

Ballas told The Mirror: “My mother loves him. It does not matter when he is on tour, or where he is or what he is doing, he will make his way across and he will say ‘Lovely to see you Shirley. Lovely to see your mum.’

“I have got so many beautiful pictures, of the times that he spent, particularly when my mum was poorly, and he reached out. So he has always been to me, and I will make that clear, to me… a perfect gentleman.”

Strictly crisis talks

Using her experience in publicity, PR expert Ms Carratt has lifted the lid on what will be happening behind closed doors at the BBC.

She said: “A whole can of worms was opened for Strictly after the Giovanni allegations came to light and as a result of that, the senior executives at the BBC will have been leaving no stone unturned. They will have reviewed all the rehearsal footage for every one of its dancers. I am sure.

“The BBC is responsible for ensuring the well-being of everyone participating in the show, including producers, dancers, and celebrity judges. It’s important for them to prevent any further allegations of misconduct.”

Regardless of the ongoing drama, BBC bosses will be striving to create the best series of Strictly Come Dancing yet. They have replaced Di Prima with fan favourite Skorjanec and the 2024 series also welcomes back well-loved Amy Dowden who had to take a break last year due to her breast cancer diagnosis.

The PR expert added: “They also won’t want anymore drama overshadowing the 20th anniversary of the show. They’ll want the upcoming series to be the best yet, and while executives aim for this, the BBC must follow proper procedures to create a safe environment for everyone involved in the show.

“All issues will have been investigated and the BBC is expected to conduct a thorough inquiry. Media statements will be limited and individuals involved in the investigations will not speak until the report findings are published with their consent.

“It’s crucial not to rely on speculation, as only those directly involved know the full truth.”

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/strictly-future-bbc-crisis-153952623.html