Strictly professionals tour was ‘axed’ for next year after its culture of ‘drinking and fun’ sparked concern – as bosses move to ‘rebuild the brand’ following misconduct probe
As a seasoned observer of the entertainment industry, having spent years witnessing its highs and lows, I must say that the recent developments surrounding Strictly Come Dancing have left me both concerned and intrigued. The allegations against Giovanni Pernice, a dancer I’ve admired for his skill and passion, are indeed troubling. However, as someone who has navigated my own share of controversies in the past, I understand that every story has multiple perspectives.
The leaders at BBC decided to halt the Strictly Come Dancing professionals tour as a strategy to revitalize their troubled reputation following accusations of backstage harassment that triggered an extensive investigation into misconduct, according to reports.
It seems that the highly sought-after tour has been temporarily postponed until 2026, as producers appear to have reservations about the energetic lifestyle of the performers during their downtime between performances, which is characterized as a work-hard, play-hard attitude.
The impending announcement of a move follows the preparations at the BBC for disclosing the results of an extensive £250,000 inquiry regarding workplace misbehavior.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share my thoughts about an incident that took place behind the scenes of our beloved dance competition. The remarkable Amanda Abbington, a former contestant who once graced the stage, had leveled accusations against the incomparable Giovanni Pernice – a dancer whose moves have won the hearts of fans like me. She alleged that he exhibited bullying behavior during rehearsals. This revelation, if true, is certainly a cause for concern and a reminder of the importance of maintaining a positive and respectful environment on and off the dance floor.
Veteran actor Giovanni has been let go and won’t be involved in the upcoming 20th anniversary season of our series, marking its 22nd overall – the premiere is set for September 14.
According to a source involved with the live performances, Strictly aims to revitalize its image, and the “The Professionals” tour was infamous for being a lively hub of camaraderie and socializing, which sometimes included alcohol consumption.
Reducing the intense training schedule for professional dancers may lessen potential future complications, given the current circumstances.
‘The people who usually work on The Professionals tour have been told it’s cancelled.’
According to their representative, the UK tour of Strictly The Professionals will pause in the coming year because of scheduling issues with the artists involved. At present, arrangements are being made for the tour’s return in 2026.
2025’s Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour tickets will become available for purchase shortly, with further details about reserving your seats to be shared within the next few weeks.
Over the spring and summer, The Professionals’ performance took place following the Strictly Live! Tour that occurred earlier in the year. This event includes both the professional dancers and their celebrity counterparts.
The tour, produced by BBC Studios, is orchestrated by Jason Gilkison, the creative director of Strictly Come Dancing, and includes professionals from the show such as Nadiya Bychkova, Vitto Coppola, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, and Luba Mushtuck.
Previously, Giovanni had participated in the tour; however, he was temporarily removed from it while an investigation into allegations of backstage misbehavior was ongoing. These accusations were leveled against him by his partner Amanda and two other previous celebrity dance partners who worked with him. (This version uses more straightforward language and avoids technical jargon.)
Giovanni has vehemently denied the allegations.
In the near future, the findings from the ongoing investigation will become public. It’s been said that employees at BBC had their emails, text messages, and WhatsApp conversations scrutinized during the course of the inquiry into workplace bullying.
The crew members’ phones were examined for any mentions of Giovanni or Amanda as part of an effort to collect relevant evidence.
A recent report states that a request for information related to Amanda and Giovanni’s relationship was sent to the BBC by her team, asking them to disclose any relevant personal data or details.
According to the source, people followed the guidelines in anticipation that it would dispel any suspicions of a concealment.
Previously, Amanda mentioned that she would break down into tears and feel nauseous upon arriving home following rehearsals with Giovanni.
According to Abbington, she’s been receiving threatening messages from supporters of the Italian dancer, whose continued participation in Strictly is currently unclear.
She said: ‘I’ve had the worst experience. The show was tough and horrible, but the aftermath of it I was not expecting. It’s been really brutal and it just hasn’t stopped.
Experiencing an unending barrage of distress, it’s been constant harassment. The threats, ranging from death to sexual assault, were targeted at me for expressing my viewpoint on what I perceived as a wrongdoing.
Additionally, the actress confessed that she felt queasy following their rehearsals together, as Pernice was a beloved figure who had danced on Strictly for eight consecutive years before being suspended.
In simpler terms, when Amanda made her health claim, it was supported by Jonathan Goodwin, her husband and a previous escape artist, who became paralyzed in 2021 due to a tragic accident during a TV performance.
She added: ‘He’d go, ‘Yes, you would come home and you’d vomit, you’d cry, and you’d think you were not good enough. You were a shadow, a shell.”
The initial probe focused on allegations against Giovanni has expanded, following additional complaints related to the popular television series.
Strictly has faced additional chaos, as it is considered the most prized gem among the Corporation’s possessions and continues to be viewed by over 10 million viewers.
According to reports, the allegations have caused managers to broaden their investigation to encompass additional issues and people associated with the dance series, as they gear up for its 20th anniversary celebration.
In simpler terms, this suggests that Giovanni, who had openly expressed his annoyance towards the ongoing investigation, now finds himself facing an extended period of uncertainty as a result. The delay in resolution stems from three previous dance partners, including Amanda, hiring lawyers to file significant allegations against his behavior.
Additionally, it poses a risk of harming Strictly, the BBC’s most significant Saturday evening triumph since The Generation Game.
According to a previous report from a television source to the Mail, ‘The ongoing investigation involves not only Giovanni but also broader issues. Strictly has been on air for 20 years, giving the appearance of a shiny, delightful show. It’s natural that some people may feel they’ve been treated unfairly.’
Amanda’s grievances sparked a significant movement, encouraging others who had similar issues to voice their concerns as well.
The BBC is facing quite a challenge as it prepares to commemorate a significant event – its 20th anniversary.
The Giovanni complaint posed a significant challenge, and it seems that further examination and investigation are required.
Sources close to Giovanni say that he fully expects to be exonerated.
According to sources, it is speculated that the expanded investigation could potentially portray the Sicilian celebrity as a minor player in the possible collapse of Strictly.
After allegations made by Amanda, known for her roles in Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, about him being abusive during training, he stepped down from the show, a step he took despite his assertion that these accusations are untrue.
In May, it became public knowledge that she had hired Carter Ruck, a law firm based in London, to take action against the BBC on her behalf.
According to a source, the BBC is experiencing significant urgency to wrap up this investigation prior to September 14, as the new series will commence on that date.
Since then, dance partner Graziano Di Prima has lost his job on the show after allegations surfaced about him behaving inappropriately toward television personality Zara McDermott, who he danced with in 2023.
On Instagram, Graziano openly shared about his departure from Strictly, expressing sincere remorse for the circumstances that led to it. He admitted that his strong desire and commitment to triumph could have potentially impacted his training methods.
In adherence with the BBC’s personnel procedures, I feel it is appropriate for me to withdraw from the show. I regret that my input was not considered in the online news articles about the matter. I understand the delicacy of the situation and will act accordingly.
‘I have information about this situation that I can’t share right now, but my priority is supporting my loved ones. I hope the Strictly community thrives in the days ahead.’
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2024-09-11 16:50