Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into more chaos as a “third person of interest” has reportedly been named in the wake of the allegations surrounding former pros Graziano Di Prima, 30, and Giovanni Pernice, 33.
Pernice was suspended and later axed in May over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and three other former celeb partners.
The latest professional to be caught in the scandal is Di Prima who is alleged to have “kicked, spat at [Zara McDermott] and hit her” as well as being part of “a shocking video of one incident”, a source claimed to The Sun.
As the investigation into Pernice is still ongoing, it was reportedly a junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed between Di Prima and McDermott.
It has now been reported that a third professional dancer – who is no longer part of the show – is also part of the investigation into the BBC series and the professional dancers’ conduct.
A source told The Sun: “A professional’s name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano. He is no longer part of the show but he has been named as a person of interest.
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima were paired together during the 2023 season of the show
BBC
“Conversations are ongoing and there are more people who need to be spoken to. A dossier is being compiled which will be handed over to the BBC.
“What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread issue over the conduct of some of the professionals in training.
“And the more people who come forward, the clearer the picture is becoming.”
The ongoing claims against the professionals have forced the BBC to make some changes to the show which have reportedly included plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers.
Zara McDermott released a statement after Strictly Come Dancing crew members raised the issue with Graziano Di Prima
GETTY
A statement from the broadcaster said: “Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.”
A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: “Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
“Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.
“The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.”
It has also been claimed that Strictly staff raised concerns over Di Prima’s behaviour last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings – despite the group expecting him to be sacked instantly.
Amanda Abbington was the first to speak out over the “bullying” she received from Giovanni Pernice
BBC
Both McDermott and Di Prima have released statements regarding the reports of his axing and the alleged abuse, with the Love Island star noting: “I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it.
“I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took. However, my experience inside the training room was very different.
“Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”
Di Prima noted in a separate statement on his 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 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. When the time is right, I will share my story.” (sic)
GB News contacted the BBC for comment, with a spokesperson noting: “As we told The Sun, we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us.”