Strictly Come Dancing will be ‘cleaned up’ in a major overhaul in a bid to ensure the under-fire show can go on, MailOnline can reveal.
The plan emerged during week-long crisis talks held by BBC bosses after the long-running show was engulfed in fresh bullying claims – which saw speculation that the plug could be pulled on Strictly.
But we can now reveal that the outcome of the series of fraught discussions is a rescue plan to ensure it avoids future controversy – and allows ‘the jewel in the crown of BBC entertainment’ to continue, TV insiders say.
The meetings were a direct response to misconduct claims made against Italian dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima which have made headlines.
An insider told MailOnline: ‘Make no mistake, BBC bosses have been shaken by what’s happened over the past few months. Strictly is a family show and the headlines have made for some difficult discussions over what’s been going on.
Strictly has been saved from the axe after a week of crisis talks among BBC bosses after bullying claims against pro dancers including Giovanni Pernice (pictured) emerged
English actress Amanda Abbington is said to have sought legal advice over Giovanni’s alleged behaviour towards her and believes video footage from rehearsals could ‘back up’ her claims
‘But Strictly’s the jewel at the crown of the BBC, there is currently no way they are going to axe it. There’s no appetite for that and the decision is that that nuclear option shouldn’t be needed.
‘Yes, it needs a clean up, the bullying claims are very damaging but there have been hundreds of dance partnerships in the show’s history, a high majority of which have gone without incident. And that’s what will now happpen.
‘But it would take something seismic for the BBC to do away with one of, if not their biggest, assets.
‘But at the moment, axing Strictly is not on the agenda.’
Strictly has been on the ropes since 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington, 53, accused partner Giovanni, 33, of ‘threatening and abusing behaviour’ in January, which resulted in the 2021 champion leaving the show after three of his previous dance partners also raised concerns. The Italian denies the claims.
Following her claims, Strictly launched an investigation looking into other individuals connected with the show, as well as introducing new measures which aim to ‘strengthen welfare and support’ behind the scenes.
The widened probe resulted in Graziano, 30, being axed last Saturday, after his 2023 dance partner Zara McDermott, 27, complained that he physically attacked and verbally abused her.
 Graziano Di Prima, 30, has been axed after his 2023 dance partner Zara McDermott, 27, (pictured) complained that he physically attacked and verbally abused herÂ
Announcing his departure on Instagram, the Italian wrote: ‘wrote: ‘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.
‘Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.’
He continued: ‘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.’
He concluded the post: ‘I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.’
Strictly’s big clean-up operation is believed to have left some of the show’s current and former professionals ‘terrified’ they could be caught up in a new scandal.
According to The Sun, the dancers have discussed among themselves that historic disagreements might be flagged to bosses as part of the now wide-reaching appraisal of the show, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
‘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,’ Giovanni said
Current and former professionals of the show are said to be ‘terrified’ they could be caught up in the scandal (Zara pictured during rehearsals)Â
A source said: ‘It’s now clear that no stone will be left unturned in fixing the rot on Strictly, and rightly so.
‘But there are fears that any cross word, disagreement or mishap could see a pro linked to this far more serious situation.
‘Just like in any workplace, not everyone is best friends and over the years there have of course been partnerships that are less harmonious. That doesn’t mean there was any wrongdoing, though.’
On Friday, the Mail revealed one of Strictly’s own dancers Nadiya Bychkova, 34, had even met with BBC bosses to complain about the show, having become ‘upset’ with certain matters relating to the Saturday night hit.
A show source told The Mail: ‘Nadiya got in touch out of the blue and wanted to talk to the bosses.
‘They are taking every single murmur of a complaint seriously now so she was immediately asked in.
One of the show’s most loved female professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova has met with BBC bosses to complain about the show
‘She has been on the show for some years so will have seen and lot and possibly also experienced unpleasant behaviour, she will have worked with many people.
‘Things really are getting serious now, it is a mess and it is getting worse by the day.
‘This is now the third complaint about some kind of issue on the programme. It came as a surprise but now the inquiry into Giovanni Pernice is ongoing it has opened the opportunity for others to complain when perhaps they wouldn’t have done before.
‘There appears to be some very unhappy people on Strictly. Now there are fears about where this will end, literally nobody knows.’