The stars of Strictly Come Dancing jumped up in shock on Wednesday night as they were awarded the National Television Award for Talent Show despite its year of scandal and controversy.
Amid fears for the show’s future over accusations of abuse aimed at professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman looked both elated and surprised as the BBC programme was revealed as the winner.
The pair clutched hands and jumped up and down before celebrating with the professional dancers and former contestants as the team brushed aside the numerous scandals that have plagued it this year.
However, in a very awkward moment, the prize was presented by Zara McDermott‘s boyfriend Sam Thompson and pal Pete Wicks amid her drama surrounding former pro Graziano Di Prima.
The Italian dancer was sensationally sacked by the show following claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara, with whom he was paired in 2023 – with it being said that he kicked her during training.
The stars of Strictly Come Dancing jumped up in shock on Wednesday night as they were awarded the National Television Award for Talent Show despite its year of scandal and controversy
However, in a very awkward moment, the prize was presented by Zara McDermott ‘s boyfriend Sam Thompson and pal Pete Wicks amid her drama surrounding former pro Graziano Di Prima
Sam and Pete – who is taking part in Strictly this this year – paused to look at each other in a fleetingly awkward moment before gaining composure to jointly announce Strictly as the winner.
Taking to the stage, host Tess clutched onto the going as she made her speech, telling the audience: ‘Everybody who works on this show would like to say the biggest, most heartfelt thank you to every single person at home watching who voted for us – it means the world!
‘This Saturday we celebrate our 20th birthday at Strictly, 20 years, with our launch show. So this is a wonderful gift.’
Presenting duo Tess and Claudia also singled out the show’s ‘wonderful’ team as they gushed that the win ‘meant everything.’
The BBC show beat out Britain’s Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef and The Voice to take one of the night’s big prizes.
The NTAs are voted for by the public, with the win for Strictly a clear sign that viewers are still rooting for the show as it prepares to return for its 20th series on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Zara stepped out for the awards showing off her incredible figure in a revealing fishtail dress that boasted a busty cut-out as she posed with her partner Sam.
The reality star was at the centre of a scandal when footage of former professional partner Graziano’s ill treatment of her was unearthed.
Amid fears for the show’s future over accusations of abuse aimed at professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima , hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman looked both elated and surprised as the BBC programme was revealed as the winner
The cast and crew couldn’t hide their delight as the show beat out Britain’s Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off, Masterchef and The Voice to take the night’s big prize
Hosts Tess and Claudia anxiously awaited the result before being revealed as the winners
Sam and Pete – who is taking part in Strictly this this year – paused to look at each other in a fleetingly awkward moment before gaining composure to jointly announce Strictly as the winner
The actress has accused the dancer of bullying, which he denies. But the Mail can reveal that there are concerns at the Corporation about how the two parties will react when the results of the investigation are revealed.
There have been high-level meetings among bosses as they navigate how to deliver their findings as they fear the looming possibility of legal action from either Ms Abbington, 52, or Mr Pernice if either is disappointed by the outcome.
One source told the Mail: ‘This is an absolute mess and the BBC don’t know what to do for the best.
‘There is a lot of panic and worry that whoever it does go in favour of will really go for the BBC, so every single word of whatever is released doesn’t give anyone the chance to complain.
Claudia and Tess shared a sweet hug as Strictly’s win was announced
Anton Du Beke embraced Kai Widdrington while Angela Rippon looked delighted amid Strictly’s shock victory
Taking to the stage, host Tess told the audience: ‘Everybody who works on this show would like to say the biggest, most heartfelt thank you to every single person at home watching who voted for us’
The presenting duo singled out the show’s ‘wonderful’ team as they gushed that the win ‘meant everything’
Elsewhere, Zara stepped out for the awards showing off her incredible figure in a revealing fishtail dress that boasted a busty cut-out as she posed with her partner Sam
The reality star was at the centre of a scandal when footage of former professional partner Graziano’s ill treatment of her was unearthed
‘They literally don’t know what to do so it is being delayed and delayed. [Director-General] Tim Davie is a good guy but this is impossible to navigate.’
Giovanni has been at the centre of the BBC probe being conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda, 50, and two other former celebrity dance partners.
He has vehemently denied the allegations.
The investigation is due to be published in the coming days, and BBC staff have reportedly had their emails, texts and WhatsApps examined as part of the bullying probe.
Members of the crew have had their phones searched for references to Giovanni or Amanda in a bid to gather evidence.
The Mirror has revealed the subject access request is understood to have been made to the BBC by Amanda’s team, to provide any personal data or information that might shed light on her and Giovanni’s relationship.
![The win comes amid claims that BBC bosses are full of 'panic and worry' regarding the publication of a report into Amanda Abbington [pictured] and her former Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/09/12/09/87839671-13841927-Amanda_Abbington_pictured_Giovanni_s_last_celebrity_partner_quit-a-60_1726130019780.jpg)
The win comes amid claims that BBC bosses are full of ‘panic and worry’ regarding the publication of a report into Amanda Abbington [pictured] and her former Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
The results of the the £250,000 investigation are set to be released just days before the 20th anniversary series is due to start
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023
A source told the publication: ‘People complied with it in the hope that it shoots down any claims of a cover-up.’
Fellow dancer Graziano has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.
Confirming his departure on Instagram, Graziano 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.
‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.
‘There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.’