Strictly Come Dancing , once considered to be one of the most wholesome entertainment programmes on British television, has been hit by a slew of scandals. Troubling allegations began back in January when Sherlock star Amanda Abbington requested “tense” footage of her in rehearsals with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice during the 2023 series, which led to a misconduct investigation that has since seen the firing of Graziano Di Prima , who was partnered with Love Island and Made in Chelsea star Zara McDermott last year. While Abbington has claimed she has been diagnosed with mild PTSD since taking part in the show, calling her experience with Pernice “tough” and “horrible” , McDermott revealed in a statement shared to social media she had struggled to speak out about her “incredibly distressing” experience with Di Prima because she “wrestled with fear” about public backlash, the future of her career, and “victim-shaming” if she came forward.
Following the allegations of abuse that have shaken the flagship show, reports have claimed the BBC is looking at tightening its duty of care protocols by giving future Strictly stars chaperones to be present at every dance rehearsal to ensure that professionals do not take things too far. As Strictly Come Dancing navigates its era of crisis , this is a timeline of the much loved dance competition’s ongoing scandals: Amanda Abbington leaves Strictly – October 2023 Last autumn, actor Amanda Abbington and.