Strictly Come Dancing Shaken by Allegations of Misconduct

The BBC's hit entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by allegations of "gross misconduct" against one of its professional dancers, leading to the departure of two of its most popular stars. The news has sent shockwaves through the show's devoted fanbase and raised questions about the behind-the-scenes culture of the long-running program.

Uncovering the Scandal: Strictly's Troubling Allegations

Graziano Di Prima's Abrupt Exit

Graziano Di Prima, a Strictly professional dancer since 2018, announced his departure from the show in a statement on Instagram. Di Prima cited "intense passion and determination to win" as factors that may have affected his training regime, leading to the BBC's decision to terminate his contract. While the specifics of the allegations against him remain unclear, Di Prima acknowledged the need to step away from the show, stating that "respecting the BBC HR process, I understand that it's best for the show that I step away."

Allegations of Physical Assault

According to reports, the BBC's decision to part ways with Di Prima came after the broadcaster was shown video footage allegedly depicting the Italian professional kicking his dance partner, Zoe McDermott. The Sun newspaper further claimed that other instances of physical assault had occurred, though the BBC has not directly addressed these allegations.

The BBC's Response and Duty of Care

In a statement, the BBC acknowledged the importance of its "robust duty of care procedures" and that it takes any issues raised "seriously and act[s] swiftly as appropriate." However, the broadcaster refrained from commenting on individual cases, leaving the specifics of the allegations and the investigation process unclear.

The Broader Impact on Strictly Come Dancing

The departure of Graziano Di Prima, coupled with the recent announcement of Giovanni Pernice's exit following allegations of inappropriate behavior by a celebrity partner, has dealt a significant blow to Strictly Come Dancing. The show, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, has long been one of the BBC's most popular entertainment exports, with versions airing in countries around the world.

Pernice's Departure and Allegations of PTSD

In a separate incident, fellow Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice has also announced his departure from the show. Pernice's exit follows allegations by a celebrity partner, actress Amanda Abbington, that she suffered PTSD after training with him. Pernice has denied all reports of inappropriate behavior, and the BBC's investigation into the matter is ongoing.

The Importance of Duty of Care and Accountability

The allegations and departures from Strictly Come Dancing have raised concerns about the show's duty of care towards its participants, both professional dancers and celebrity partners. The BBC's statement on its "robust duty of care procedures" suggests an acknowledgment of the need to prioritize the well-being and safety of those involved in the production. As the investigations continue, the show's management and the BBC will likely face increased scrutiny to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent and address any instances of misconduct.

The Future of Strictly Come Dancing

The turmoil surrounding Strictly Come Dancing has the potential to impact the show's reputation and public perception. As the BBC navigates these challenges, it will be crucial for the broadcaster to demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the implementation of effective safeguarding measures. The show's continued success and the trust of its loyal audience will depend on the BBC's ability to address these issues head-on and restore confidence in the integrity of the Strictly Come Dancing brand.