In the midst of the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing bullying scandal, beloved former Strictly professional, Ian Waite , has controversially suggested banning Italian dancers from the competition. Giovanni Pernice, 34, left the show in April amid bullying claims from his dance partner, Amanda Abbington, which he has vehemently denied. Meanwhile, fellow Italian Graziano Di Prima, 30, was let go after confessing to kicking his partner, Zara McDermott .
"Well, there's a link. They're both Italian. And, a little bit of advice - don't book Italians anymore," Ian advised on the Stripping Off With Matt Haycox podcast.
"Unless it's all filmed, it's your word against theirs. One of the problems is that, as pro dancers, we weren't given any safeguarding rules or guidance on how we should behave with our celebrity partners. What's offensive or abusive if there are no clear guidelines? We had to figure it out ourselves.
" Amid the ongoing bullying accusations, the 53-year-old dancer, who recently won Dancing with the Stars Australia , spoke out on the drama as he said that things can always get intense in rehearsals. Ian said: "There were times when I fell out with my partner, yes. And there were even times when there were a lot of shouting matches going on, but it was for a good reason.
" While both Giovanni and Graziano may have departed the show after controversy with their partners last year, much-loved professional dancer Amy Dowden has finally made her comeback after a two-year break am.