The inside story of the scandals which could end Strictly, reveals KATIE HIND… and the ones that are just sob stories from attention-seeking snowflakes

As a seasoned journalist with years of experience under my belt, I’ve covered my fair share of scandals and controversies in the entertainment industry. But none have left me as perplexed and saddened as the allegations surrounding Strictly Come Dancing and its past and present stars.

For two decades now, I’ve looked forward to Saturdays during the holiday season for this brilliant weekly spectacle that never fails to fill my heart with joy before Christmas.

A large number of people enthusiastically watch the journey of famous personalities, partnered with skilled dancers, as they strive to win the coveted glitterball prize in the competition.

Lately, the true depth of Strictly has been revealed, as the BBC’s beloved Saturday evening show, which surpasses The Generation Game in popularity, finds itself mired in controversy. Several stars have publicly accused their dance partners of abusive and bullying behavior.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been closely following the recent developments regarding the popular BBC show that has been under scrutiny due to allegations made by no less than eight former contestants. These claims have stirred up quite a controversy and some are questioning if this is the end of its impressive 20-year run. But as someone who values transparency and truth, I believe it’s important to separate fact from fiction and determine which accusations carry weight, and which ones might just be attempts to ride on a wave of public outrage. It’s crucial that we approach each situation with care and consideration, ensuring that the well-being of all involved is prioritized above any potential sensationalism or hype.

Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott

When I stumbled upon the news that Graziano had been fired for assaulting Zara, my initial reaction was disbelief. It just couldn’t be true, I thought to myself. But then I saw the undeniable video evidence of his inappropriate behavior towards her. Within an hour of the Mail sharing this story, Graziano posted a heartfelt apology on Instagram. This unfortunate incident took place last autumn. At first, the BBC became aware of two instances where Graziano had verbally abused Zara during training sessions. However, they didn’t consider these incidents severe enough to warrant any disciplinary action.

After viewing the violent attack recorded on film, high-ranking BBC officials expressed their disgust and shame to me in private, labeling Graziano’s behavior as “repulsive” and “shameful.”

Amongst all the scandals, this one has the potential to seriously harm Strictly’s reputation, explaining why its bosses chose to sever ties with Graziano quickly, aiming to protect the upcoming season’s cast from any possible repercussions.

Production sources have shared that queries have been made concerning why Zara, a Love Island alum and documentary host, didn’t voice her concerns during the incident, specifically from Graziano and his team.

She was apprehensive about the potential negative consequences, which could spoil her cherished opportunity to be on Strictly Come Dancing – a role she had longed for since childhood – and potentially affect her future collaborations with the BBC.

Scandal factor: 5/5

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice

Cha-cha-change the record . . . Am I the only person to have got bored of this particular story?

Eight months have passed, but Amanda Abbington remains tight-lipped regarding the specifics of Giovanni Pernice’s actions against her during “Strictly Come Dancing,” except for him stepping on her foot and causing a toe injury. Furthermore, she disclosed that her participation in the show led to post-traumatic stress disorder for her.)

Over the past weekend, she shared with a news outlet that he was unkind, harsh, and violent towards her, yet failed to provide specific instances. The BBC’s human resources team has similarly faced challenges in obtaining concrete evidence since investigating her accusations in April.

Giovanni acknowledges being a demanding boss, but denies any instances of abuse. The lack of clarity from Abbington regarding her allegations has reportedly frustrated BBC authorities who have invested considerable time and resources into investigating the matter. However, no proof has been found to support Abbington’s claim that Giovanni bullied her. According to one insider, “The investigation is based on evidence, and there isn’t any.”

I was informed by Amanda back in May that she wasn’t fond of participating in the show. Lately, though, her daily newspaper updates and frequent complaints to her circle of friends suggest that she’s planning some sort of retaliation against those involved.

Last night, she asserted during an interview with Channel 4 News that she experienced humiliating sexual misconduct at the hands of Giovanni. However, he vehemently denies this accusation and stated that such claims were not mentioned in the list of allegations she had previously submitted to the Corporation.

The leaders of the BBC are equally angered by her persistent criticisms and puzzled as to why she’s addressing the investigation prior to its completion. They suspect her motive may be to secure a heartfelt apology from Tim Davie, the organization’s director-general.

In terms of muck-slinging, this case takes the glitterball.

Scandal factor: 2

James Jordan and Georgina Bouzova

Back in May 2014, I shared the news that James Jordan was let go from Strictly Come Dancing after being a part of the show for eight consecutive years. This development didn’t take me by surprise due to rumors I had heard about his temperament and potential aggression.

Last week, a video resurfaced of him practicing with the charming ex-Casualty actor Georgina Bouzova. The moment sent shivers down my spine.

Speaking angrily into the camera, he threatened to harm her by “killing” and “dragging her across the floor” if she couldn’t stand on her left leg in one video. In another shocking appearance on It Takes Two, a Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show, he criticized her weight and forbade her from consuming chocolate.

Although it may not be the most notorious offense, James’s disrespectful behavior towards her caused unease among certain BBC officials who were present during the filming. One of them confided in me, sharing their concerns: “People knew James was a difficult character, so there were queries about why no action was taken against him then and why he wasn’t removed earlier.”

In those days, people had differing norms. What once passed as appropriate conduct now faces disapproval in our increasingly inclusive society.

James has expressed his disapproval towards “workplace bullying or unacceptable behavior,” and referred to the montage on It Takes Two as a “highly edited and amplified video” created by the team “primarily for amusement.”

Friends of James say that he had high standards and that his behaviour got the best out of people.

Maybe they’re right, but I’d send him home in the dance-off.

Scandal factor: 4

Nadiya Bychkova

As someone who has worked in production for several years, I can’t help but be taken aback by Nadiya’s timing in reaching out to Strictly producers about her complaint against Graziano, just days after his dismissal was made public. While it may seem like a simple action on the surface, such interactions can be complex and potentially damaging to ongoing investigations or legal proceedings. It’s important for individuals to consider the broader context of a situation before taking action. In my experience, hasty decisions can lead to misunderstandings or unintended consequences. Nadiya’s move could also be perceived as opportunistic or insensitive towards those who were working on the investigation or dealing with the aftermath of Graziano’s departure. Ultimately, I believe it’s essential for individuals to exercise patience and wait for the proper channels to address their concerns, rather than taking matters into their own hands in such a public manner.

Due to legal constraints, I’m unable to reveal the specific reason for her dispute, but it relates to her recent breakup with Kai Widdrington, a professional dancer.

The BBC brushed off inquiries, maintaining it was a private matter. However, Nadiya’s involvement in a workplace romance has ignited discussions on their appropriateness in today’s society.

According to BBC insiders, her grievance was acknowledged but dismissed as not primarily their responsibility. However, there’s speculation that she may not have spoken up if more people hadn’t shared their experiences first. It’s likely that she wouldn’t have.

In the meantime, employers are becoming cautious due to the simmering animosity between Nadiya and Kai, who parted ways in June following an 18-month relationship. As they prepare to collaborate on the upcoming Strictly project.

Based on my years of experience working in the entertainment industry and observing various behind-the-scenes dynamics, I believe that there could be potential risks involved when professionals on shows like Strictly and the BBC allow romantic relationships to develop between them. These relationships can sometimes lead to distractions, conflicts, or even scandals that may negatively impact the production and its reputation. However, it’s important to note that not all such relationships result in negative outcomes, and many can be healthy and supportive for both parties involved. Nonetheless, as someone who has seen firsthand how gossip and rumors can spread like wildfire in the industry, I understand why warnings are issued to maintain a professional environment and protect the show’s integrity.

This case is unlikely to reach Abbington proportions, however.

Scandal factor: 2

Ola Jordan and Steve Backshall

Over the weekend, it came to light that the wildlife presenter had allegedly confronted the BBC about being bullied by Ola Jordan during their appearance together on the show a decade ago. The presenter claimed that Ola’s behavior towards him was unwelcoming, harsh, and unfriendly.

After encountering her behavior that he considered impolite and in a hurry, he filed a grievance. When he had trouble learning the Charleston dance, she made him feel less capable.

Steve, standing tall at 6 feet, gained recognition as an intrepid explorer. His muscular build, with bulging biceps and a chiseled six-pack, is a testament to his strength and endurance. In contrast, petite Ola measures only 5 feet 2 inches. Having spent her entire life in Poland, there might have been some communication challenges due to language differences.

As a devoted team member, I was summoned to a meeting by our strict supervisors, who decided that both Ola and I, Steve, would be accompanied by companions for the rest of the competition to ensure adherence to their guidelines.

Back then, some people found Steve’s behavior serious but others jokingly suggested he should “show some courage.” This phrase, as recalled to me, caused amusement among staff at the time. However, many viewers today find this depiction more annoying than humorous. One BBC source questioned, “What does that have in common with Graziano physically harming Zara?”

Based on my personal experiences and observations, I strongly believe that miscommunications and unexpected situations can often disrupt the smooth flow of events, especially during social engagements like dancing lessons. I recall an instance where a woman was eagerly trying to teach her partner a new dance move, yet her efforts were marred by unwarranted noise from another source. This disruption not only disturbed the learning process but also tarnished the overall experience for both parties.

Scandal factor: 1

Brendan Cole, Fiona Phillips, Claire King

During his time on Strictly Come Dancing, Brendan Cole gained a reputation for being fearsome. He didn’t hold back in criticisms and possessed an extremely large sense of self-importance.

I recently came across some old footage that surfaced last week, showing me losing my cool during rehearsals with Emmerdale actor Claire King. This clip was subsequently shared on It Takes Two, with Duran Duran’s “Wild Boys” providing the background music.

During that period, Claire expressed that Brendan had made her feel unconfident by being harsh towards her. My interactions with Brendan have been challenging, but I don’t view him as a bully; instead, I consider him to be a perfectionist.

After watching a different video from 2005 showing him repeatedly slapping his former Strictly dance partner, Fiona Phillips, on the backside during rehearsals, I felt uncomfortable. Despite finding him unpleasant, Fiona doesn’t seem to have any issues with it.

Scandal factor: 4

Will Bayley and Janette Manrara

To begin with, it’s important to note that Janette is an exceptionally kind and mild-mannered person. Therefore, the accusations leveled against her in recent Strictly news feel particularly unjust.

Paralympic athlete Will Bayley criticized her for dismissing one of his jumps during rehearsals for the 2019 series as “worthless.” Although his coach had reservations, he attempted the jump again and subsequently endured a painful leg injury with the sensation of “severe pain.” Instead of being transported to the hospital, he was escorted to a hotel room where his knee was iced. Due to his torn ligaments, he was forced to withdraw from the competition, but Bayley claimed that the production team placed blame on him. Furthermore, reports suggest that he was excluded from the cast’s WhatsApp group because of his “irritating” behavior.

Scandal factor: 1

Melanie Blake

Blake has claimed a Strictly pro made suggestive remarks and sexually assaulted her at rehearsals.

Melanie, representing some less-known Loose Women personalities, shared that this anonymous individual expressed a desire to intimately engage with a woman wearing a revealing outfit. Furthermore, she claimed that he subsequently reached for his crotch to demonstrate his arousal and boast about its size, soliciting her opinion.

Melanie, with a reputation in entertainment circles for being “demanding and vocal,” didn’t mention the name of the man in question. A source close to her situation shared that “this man wouldn’t have been attracted to Melanie based on how she describes herself.”

Scandal factor: 0

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2024-07-25 03:50