Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show’s bullying scandal

Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show's bullying scandal

As a lifestyle expert with over three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, I must say, the recent developments surrounding Strictly Come Dancing have left me quite perplexed and concerned. The allegations of bullying, mistreatment, and toxic work culture are not only alarming but also deeply disappointing.


Two well-known figures have been brought on board by Strictly Come Dancing, who are connected to dancers involved in the dance competition’s bullying controversy. Further claims of mistreatment within the show’s production team have surfaced recently.

As a long-time fan of reality TV shows and having closely followed the careers of various celebrities in this genre, I am genuinely excited about the latest stars announced for the upcoming BBC series. Being familiar with Pete Wicks from his regular appearances on Reality TV programs and having admired Tasha Ghouri’s courage and charisma as a deaf contestant on Love Island, I am eager to see how they will shine in this new venture. Their unique experiences and perspectives are bound to bring fresh energy and intrigue to the series, making it even more captivating for viewers like myself. I can’t wait to tune in!

It was unexpected that they made these appointments, considering Pete’s intimate ties with the person involved in the bullying probe, and Tasha’s romantic past with someone who had been dismissed from their profession.

The BBC News investigation uncovered claims of mistreatment from both current and past Strictly staff members.

Most recent addition to the team, Pete (aged 36), well-known from The Only Way Is Essex, maintains a friendship with Zara McDermott, a dancer featured in the previous season’s series.

Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show's bullying scandal

She expressed dissatisfaction with the program and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima, aged 30, who was ultimately let go as a result.

Zara shared that despite having a broken leg from a training accident, she danced on Strictly Come Dancing. To endure the ten-hour practice sessions, she relied on pain medication.

Graziano was sacked after he admitted kicking her in training.

Alongside Pete is Tasha, aged 25, who appeared on Love Island last year. Previously, she was in a relationship with Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, currently 33 years old. However, he left the show after actress Amanda Abbington, 50, accused him of bullying.

Giovanni has continuously denied her claims of any ‘threatening and abusive behaviour’. 

Strictly is facing further allegations of mistreatment from a number of crew members. 

Previously, a participant in the program, who used to be a runner, shared with BBC News Investigation that he was berated and referred to as ‘foolish’ by one of the producers, and on another occasion had to confront a famous contestant who yelled at him so intensely that their breath could be felt on his face.

According to an unnamed ex-crew member, the overall work environment was severely harmful, especially challenging for new team members.

Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show's bullying scandal
Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show's bullying scandal
Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show's bullying scandal
Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show's bullying scandal
Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show's bullying scandal
Strictly Come Dancing signs TWO stars with links to dancers embroiled in show's bullying scandal

‘It was bullying behaviour. I felt sick, and couldn’t sleep or eat.’

According to another source, the junior investigators reported being subjected to a high degree of verbal harassment by some of the dancers.

One former Strictly staffer revealed there was ‘a lot of shouting backstage’ and said she was warned about a male dancer who has since left. 

I found his manner of addressing women, such as female dancers and junior staff, to be appalling and deeply rooted in outdated, male-centric views.

BBC Studios does not acknowledge these recent allegations, and neither do the numerous production team members who have collaborated with us over the past two decades that the show has been on air.

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2024-08-08 00:48

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