SHIRLEY Ballas has said that "nothing is going to dampen" Strictly Come Dancing's 20th anniversary celebration following controversy hanging over the latest season. Her defiant comment comes just hours before the BBC’s findings on claims of bullying behaviour by ex-Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice are expected to be released. The BBC launched an investigation after 2023 participant Amanda Abbington made allegations about Giovanni, branding his behaviour “abusive”.
The Italian, who has since left the show, has denied any wrongdoing. The investigation also prompted other previous contestants including Love Island star Zara McDermott, TV presenter Laura Whitmore and Paralympian Will Bayley to speak up about duty of care issues. New measures to "strengthen welfare and support" on Strictly, including a chaperone who would be present during training-room rehearsals "at all times", have been introduced.
Speaking about the situation, head judge Shriley said: "To be perfectly honest, I stay in my lane. I don't condone anything that some people may have gone through, but all I could say is the show that we will be producing this year is full of humour. "I've never laughed so much in all my life from the launch show.
I mean that Chris McCausland and Wynne Evans , they've got their own little battle going on. I think it's just such great camaraderie ..
. this year and everybody seems bright and light, and nothing is going to dampen this show in any shape or form.” She continued to PA.
