BBC Strictly ‘forever tainted’ as questions linger over broadcaster’s decision to clear Giovanni Pernice
Strictly Come Dancing is “forever tainted” by the recent scandal, GB News Showbiz reporter Stephanie Takyi has claimed.
This comes as the broadcaster has issued an apology to Amanda Abbington after she decided to pull out of the show last October and later reported “threatening and abusive behaviour” from her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
The apology stated that out of the 17 allegations, the BBC upheld six, some of which were for Pernice using swear words.
Speaking to GB News, Showbiz reporter Stephanie Takyi said that this is not a “victory for either side.”
She told Emily Carver on GB News: “There has been a cloud over the show because, you know, despite these findings now, it hasn’t been put to bed.
“The show has been forever tainted and scarred. In this series, now we’re seeing that chaperones have to be involved in the training sessions.
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“There’s a welfare producer for both the dancers and the celebrity contestants.
“So Strictly now, people see the truth behind it, that it can get intense in these training sessions and that celebrities, some of them are finding it, that it’s affecting their mental health.
“So I think from some of the people I’ve spoken to who are taking part in the show, they found it quite a difficult series to be a part of this year. “
According to BBC News, “complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were substantiated, whilst claims of physical aggression were not.”
The investigation was launched after Abbington left the show midway through the competition, citing “personal reasons” at the time.
The findings have shed light on the intense nature of the show’s training sessions and raised questions about the welfare of celebrity contestants.
The BBC’s statement acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and the complex nature of the investigation.
It said: “We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken.”
The broadcaster emphasised that Strictly is a family show with high standards, but admitted that the experience had not been joyous for everyone involved.
“We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do,” the BBC added.
The investigation’s findings have prompted the BBC to strengthen its existing protocols and enhance duty of care measures for all participants on the show. Following the announcement, the choreographer has released his own statement where he stated he was “pleased” with the findings.
Abbington has also addressed the findings, stating she “never regretted coming forward” and the “apology from the BBC is a vindication” of her complaint.
