Strictly Come Dancing scandals: All the show’s dramas from race rows and voting gaffes to bullying allegations as under fire show returns

Strictly Come Dancing scandals: All the show's dramas from race rows and voting gaffes to bullying allegations as under fire show returns

As a long-time fan of Strictly Come Dancing, I must say that the show has had its fair share of controversies over the years. From the infamous voting gaffe in 2008 to Craig Revel Horwood’s awkward apology in 2019, it seems like there is always something brewing behind the scenes.

On Saturday evening, Strictly Come Dancing will come back, following a series of controversies it faced during the summer months. This eagerly awaited return promises excitement and dance moves galore!

The show was thrown into turmoil after it was revealed the BBC had sacked professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in the wake of a bullying scandal.

After several accusations of abusive conduct, the long-running program had to say goodbye to the talented dancers Giovanni and Graziano Di Prima, as these allegations ultimately led to their departure.

The BBC has been working hard to preserve the series, implementing fresh strategies aimed at enhancing care and assistance backstage.

Ever since it started in 2004, Strictly has been no stranger to controversy, having approximately as many scandals as series it has produced. There have been voting errors, unexpected kisses, and a long trail of breakups and romances that some attribute to the infamous ‘curse’ associated with the show.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share that our beloved entertainment spectacle is back on our screens! Let’s rewind and reflect upon some of the most sensational scandals this show has faced over the years.

Strictly Come Dancing scandals: All the show's dramas from race rows and voting gaffes to bullying allegations as under fire show returns

Graziano Di Prima’s sacking

It was announced that Graziano had been terminated by the management at BBC, following allegations of physically and verbally abusive behavior towards his dance partner, Zara, a celebrity.

Over the weekend, Graziano expressed his disappointment about leaving Strictly Come Dancing on Instagram: “I am deeply sorry for the circumstances that led to my exit. My strong desire and dedication to win possibly influenced my training methods.

In adherence with the BBC’s personnel procedures, I believe it is appropriate for me to withdraw from the show. I regret that I was not granted an opportunity to provide a statement for the online news articles. I understand the delicacy of the circumstances and will keep this sensitivity in mind moving forward.

“There are additional details about this situation that I can’t share now, but rest assured, I stand firmly by my loved ones. I wholeheartedly hope that the Strictly community achieves great things moving forward.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’d like to share some insights I’ve recently come across. Last year, it was brought to light that there were concerns within the production team of Strictly regarding Graziano’s behavior. However, instead of taking more decisive action, his superiors opted for quiet warnings instead.

The team was shocked when he wasn’t immediately fired. It’s reported that they’re outraged because his mistreatment of Zara went unaddressed, which meant the misconduct persisted. Interestingly, Graziano had already been contracted for the 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing.

According to a source from the show, there were several instances when both physical and verbal assaults took place. While the physical attacks occurred more frequently, both types were truly horrific.

only after team members obtained a video, which reportedly depicted Graziano striking Zara multiple times (nine months following their first report), did he get terminated from his position.

Earlier, he was supported by his admirers and well-known peers such as Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine, and Catherine Tyldesley. They reacted to his Instagram announcement about leaving by liking and commenting on the post.

Nevertheless, Catherine, who danced alongside Johannes Radebe during the show in 2019, has since deleted one of her encouraging remarks.

In a long post shared on Instagram, Zara finally spoke out about Graziano’s dismissal. She expressed that while her time on Strictly was often as wonderful as she had imagined, there were specific instances within the training room with Graziano that were extremely upsetting for her.

Zara explained that she didn’t report the incidents at the time as she was ‘scared’ of backlash.

During the probe into professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, it was actually the junior production team members who stepped up to disclose what they had observed.

Later on, Graziano acknowledged that he had overstepped a boundary, yet he firmly refused any allegations of spitting at Zara, and maintained that his actions were an isolated occurrence.

Zara’s representative stated, “The BBC had found his behavior so unacceptable that they promptly took him off the air.

In other words, Zara had previously stated on her social media that the behavior she was accused of wasn’t just something that happened once.

Graziano maintains that he’s never intentionally harmed anyone, stating that these malicious, unfounded accusations have devastated his life within mere moments – impacting him professionally, financially, emotionally, and in terms of his reputation.

Giovanni’s ‘bullying’ row

It came to light in May that Giovanni Pernice, a long-term professional on Strictly, decided to leave the BBC show following allegations of him mistreating or harassing his celebrity dance partner, Amanda Abbington, a term often referred to as ‘bullying’.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’ve found myself under the microscope recently, following the unexpected departure of my dance partner Amanda from the competition last season, citing ‘personal matters.’

The actress is reportedly requested access to the rehearsal videos following difficulties she faced with Giovanni’s aggressive training methods. Subsequently, she was identified as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

As a lifestyle expert, I had the unique opportunity to sit down with the remarkable ladies, Laura Whitmore, aged 39, and Ranvir Singh, aged 46, for what can only be described as an intimate heart-to-heart conversation. This gathering was not just casual chit-chat; it was a deeply emotional discussion where we shared our individual struggles and challenges related to certain experiences.

According to a source, Gio expressed that the intense focus on him had grown excessive and believed it was the right moment for a new beginning.

He intends to dedicate his attention towards other television ventures, as he believes he has reached his maximum potential on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Having secured the trophy in 2021 and making it to the finale a record-breaking four times, he feels there’s little more for him to accomplish.

He firmly maintains that he hasn’t done anything wrong, beyond being a tough coach, but recognizes that his training methods aren’t pleasing to all – particularly in today’s more accepting environment.

According to sources, the BBC is set to release findings from their own probe into the claims they’ve been facing, with the results due out on Tuesday.

The probe’s results will be made public a few days prior to the commencement of the series marking the 20th anniversary.

The famous Strictly ‘curse’

From its debut series onwards, Strictly Come Dancing has consistently been associated with a so-called “romance curse,” a controversial aspect that has lasted for 20 years.

The controversial aspect of the show, known as ‘the curse,’ that has ended multiple relationships, contradicts its wholesome family-oriented portrayal. Showrunners are trying to minimize its impact, yet it continues to captivate audiences due to the undeniable romantic chemistry between certain couples.

During the initial season, I found myself making unwanted waves, as spectators couldn’t help but notice the seemingly tight connection between me and my dashing companion, Brendan Cole, who was also a participant.

Although the pair went on to win the show, their success was blighted by affair rumours.

Presenter Natasha parted ways with her longtime companion, Mike Barnard, while Brendan ended his engagement and relationship with dance partner Camilla Dallerup.

Nevertheless, Natasha maintains her innocence by asserting: “Indeed, there was a strong connection, and I became enamored with dance, yet my affection for Brendan never blossomed.

2013 saw professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff having to clarify her relationship with her former rugby player partner Ben Cohen. She emphasized that their romantic involvement started post the dissolution of his marriage to Abby, not before it.

She informed the Daily Mirror that he parted ways with his wife about a year back. More recently, we’ve been meeting up, yet we maintain our individual status as unattached individuals.

She repeatedly emphasized, just as Ben has on numerous occasions, that she had no part in the ending of his marriage.

In her own words, Abby referred to the divorce as the most devastating event she had ever experienced.

In 1995, when Ben was 17 years old, he first met Abby. They got married in the year 2003, and then, in 2008, they had their two daughters together. Now, Ben and Kristina have a six-year-old daughter named Milena.

In the same television show, Rachel Riley, a host on Countdown, ended her one-year marriage with Jamie Gilbert, and began a relationship with Pasha Kovalev instead.

2015 saw Georgia May Foote announcing her separation from Coronation Street fellow actor Sean Ward, following her second place finish on the program. Subsequently, she was seen sharing a kiss with her dancing companion, Giovanni Pernice.

2018 was the year that romantic relationships blossomed for Kevin Clifton with Stacey Dooley, and also for Dianne Buswell with Joe Sugg.

Four months following the end of the 2018 series, filmmaker and journalist Stacey along with her companion Sam Tucknott declared their decision to part ways.

For five years, they were a couple, but their separation wasn’t a straightforward parting of ways.

In the year 2019, it was alleged that Sam accused Stacey of being involved romantically with Kevin Clifton, despite her being in a committed relationship at the time. Both parties, however, have refuted these claims.

In simpler terms, while departing from the house they all shared following their split, he noticed a message from Stacey’s dance partner appear on her phone, which he alleges read, “I love you.” This is how I found out about their romance.

As Sam tells it, they had a disagreement prior to his departure from their shared apartment in Brighton, and later on that same night, Stacey informed him via message that she had developed feelings for her dancing partner.

The articles she penned stated: ‘I didn’t begin interacting and messaging him (Kevin) until after our separation. I wasn’t with you at the beginning of our relationship. I did develop feelings for him, but once we were through. I will share anything you wish to know.’

One noteworthy controversy linked to Strictly Come Dancing was the breakdown of Seann Walsh’s relationship with Rebecca Humphries following pictures emerging of him kissing his dance partner, Katya Jones – on Rebecca’s birthday. This event caused quite a stir.

At the time, Katya was also married to fellow professional dancer from the series, Neil Jones.

After the disclosure, Rebecca posted a strong-worded comment on her X/Twitter profile, alleging that Seann displayed aggressive behavior towards her, and furthermore, she stated that he referred to her as ‘crazy’ or ‘psycho’ when she voiced concerns about his infidelity.

Previously a member of Eternal, Louise Redknapp (formerly known as Louise Nurding due to her marriage with Jamie Redknapp) has disclosed that she thinks Strictly Come Dancing, where she appeared in 2016, played a role in the deterioration of her matrimonial relationship.

In her memoir titled “You’ve Got This”, she expressed that if she had performed the show four years prior, the events unfolding wouldn’t have transpired. Consequently, she would not have left her marriage.

She mentioned that earlier, she would have felt too frightened to depart from her husband, who they both have two children with. However, participating in Strictly, where she made it to the finals, has paved a new way for her and demonstrated that she can secure employment once more.

Ageism row

In 2009, Strictly found itself at the center of a controversy over ageism, as it was disclosed that Arlene Phillips, who was 66 years old then, was replaced on the judging panel by singer Alesh Dixon instead.

Later on, Arlene shared that it was during a call from a journalist for a radio show discussion that she learned she had been let go from Strictly Come Dancing.

The dancer and choreographer was axed from Strictly in 2008 after four years as a judge.

Among the judges on the panel, consisting of Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, and another unspecified judge, it was only that last one whose contract was not renewed.

When Alesha Dixon, who was 26 years younger than Phillips, took over the show, it faced accusations of favoritism based on age.

The axing caused uproar among fans and calls of sexism while Harriet Harman, the minister for women and equality, blamed ageism when the debate reached the House of Commons.

Anton’s racism claims

In 2009, professional dancer-turned-judge Anton Du Beke reportedly employed a racial slur towards his partner Laila Rouass, explaining it as “casual backstage chatter.

Former host Sir Bruce Forsyth came to his defence, but this only made the situation worse.

Sir Bruce remarked: “Looking back over the past 25, 30, or even 40 years, there’s usually been an element of humor associated with this situation.

But he was later forced to issue a statement saying: ‘To be absolutely clear, the use of racially offensive language is never either funny or acceptable.’

In that moment, a BBC source referred to Anton as a “dancing ghost,” implying his performance was lackluster, and suggested he should be fired from the program.

However, Rouass supported him following his apology, and when questioned about removing him from the series, the actress from Footballers Wives responded: “Certainly not. Anton has apologized, and I have accepted it.

‘This happened a couple of weeks ago now and we are having a good time.

She added: ‘We just want to move on from it.’

In the meantime, Anton swiftly issued a heartfelt declaration stating unequivocally that he is neither a racist nor does he employ racist speech.

Although I didn’t mean any harm, I realize now that the term I used can be offensive. I sincerely apologize for not thinking through the potential reactions of others before using it.

Veteran Anton, who had fully recuperated from the event, also participated as a judge on the panel in 2021.

John Sergeant’s controversial exit

Back in 2008, ex-political journalist John Sergeant charmed millions of television audiences as he danced with partner Kristina Rihanoff on Strictly Come Dancing.

In an iconic performance of the Paso Doble, he led his dance partner Kristina in a drag across the floor. Judge Arlene Phillips humorously remarked that he might prefer to sit and read the newspaper “The Guardian” rather than practice.

Week after week, I found myself stumbling over the dance moves, getting less-than-stellar critiques from the judges, but somehow, miraculously, the audience kept me in this competition. It’s starting to feel like I might just make it to the finale and claim the title of series champion, causing a flutter of fear among the other contestants.

Spectators were taken aback when John declared his withdrawal from the contest in week 10, prompting the BBC to issue refunds to those who had cast their votes for him earlier.

At the time, he expressed concern by saying, “There’s a genuine risk that I could end up winning the contest. That idea seems almost comical to me.

James Jordan’s ‘sacking’

In 2014, the outspoken dance professional, James Jordan, was let go from the primary cast of the program, even though he proposed to stay on as a background dancer. Notably, his wife, Ola Jordan, continued to be a significant part of the main cast.

Later on, James made an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, during which he criticized his fellow professionals as being “ordinary” and “not particularly dynamic personalities.

Initially, a representative for Strictly stated that James Jordan had been given an opportunity to continue as a part of Strictly Come Dancing.

Instead of teaming up with a celebrity, the focus was more on participating in unique events like Children in Need and similar projects.

‘But he declined that. He was offered a reduced role on the show.’

James shared on Twitter that he indeed won’t be coming back to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, which is the correct term for ‘Burn The Floor’.

He added: ‘….do not believe everything the BBC have written in their statement.’

Seann and Katya’s drunken kiss

Back in the year 2018, comedian Seann Walsh and his dancing partner Katya Jones ignited a heated discussion on social media after they were photographed passionately locking lips during an evening out.

Three weeks into the series, it delivered the biggest shockwave among all instances of the infamous ‘curse’.

At the time, Katya was also married to fellow professional dancer from the series, Neil Jones.

In the heat of excitement, I couldn’t help but pour out my feelings on my X/Twitter account after Rebecca unveiled some shocking allegations against Seann. She accused him of acting aggressively and even claimed he labeled her a ‘psycho’ when she voiced her concerns about infidelity.

She said: ‘It’s more than lying, it’s controlling.’

At the end of her statement, she revealed she had taken their cat in the split.

After the controversy, Seann made an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, projecting a subdued demeanor. During the show, he acknowledged, “I believe everything she stated was accurate.

Speaking from my perspective as a lifestyle advisor, allow me to express this thoughtfully: ‘Indeed, when you deceive and betray the one you are supposed to cherish and share your life with, it transcends into a harmful act – let’s call it emotional abuse. I can only express the depth of my regret for my actions. I fervently pray that someday she will find it within her heart to forgive me.’

This spring, Seann shared that merely encountering a “No Parking” sign triggers feelings of trauma in him, and he has decided to abandon dancing completely as a result of the tumultuous aftermath of his kiss.

Voting gaffes

Generally, the voting system for Strictly Come Dancing works smoothly, enabling viewers to support their favorite pairs either by phoning in or voting without charge via the internet.

Nevertheless, in 2008, there was a significant error in the system during the semi-finals. Viewers pointed out that saving Holby City actor Tom Chambers from the dance-off under the current rules would have been impossible.

Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowdon received identical scores from the judges, and these scores were incredibly high, ensuring that Tom would participate in the dance-off regardless of how every audience member voted.

After some time had passed since the problem arose, the BBC declared that all three competitors would advance to the finale, maintaining their accumulated votes for the upcoming week.

The drama sparked nearly 300 complaints to media watchdog, however they opted against sanctioning the BBC, as it had ‘resulted from an oversight’.

Craig’s awkward apology

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton are now parents to a child named Minnie. They formed a partnership following their victory in the 2018 season of “Strictly Come Dancing.

Prior to the upcoming series in 2019, Craig, frequently referred to as the ‘tough’ judge throughout the show, playfully advised host Tess Daly and the new contestants, saying, “By the way, if you become intimate with your dance partner, it certainly won’t hurt your chances.

Despite the remark not being aired during the initial program, management requested that Craig reshoot the scene, leading to criticism of the judge’s comments. As a result, he felt compelled to offer an apology.

He apologized sincerely for any hurt feelings he may have caused Kevin, Stacey, and all those involved with the production,” he explained.

I understand now that the words I used were painful, unkind, and highly disrespectful. That was an enormous mistake in judgment, one which I deeply regret.

Shirley’s sexism row

2022’s series saw head judge Shirley Ballas facing allegations of bias, with claims that she leaned towards the male competitors more than the female ones.

In the show, the judge has faced allegations of showing favoritism towards contestants regardless of their talent, leading some spectators to demand her dismissal on social media platforms like Twitter. They argue that she lacks integrity and credibility as a judge.

After the graceful star, often compared to a twinkling toe, requested the TV viewers at home to show ‘respect’, following a barrage of ‘unkind comments’ on social networking sites.

Back in August 2022, Shirley disclosed that she had to turn to counseling due to a heavy wave of offensive remarks she encountered during the previous season of Strictly Come Dancing.

Initially, I had entertained the thought of stepping away from the 2023 series, but ultimately, I chose to return.

On Saturday, September 14, starting at 7:20 PM, the premiere episode of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be broadcast on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.

2024-09-14 10:56