BBC Strictly Come Dancing bosses had been hoping for an end to the scandal-hit show’s struggles – but things could be far from over.
Strictly insiders are reportedly fearing further complaints from those who have competed on the show, as worries for its future intensify.
Graziano di Prima has been axed from the show after “gross misconduct” claims, while Giovanni Pernice stepped down from the show but has protested his innocence.
According to reports, the anxiously-awaited results of the investigation into Giovanni may not be where the scandal ends.
A source told GB News:
“The BBC have carried out a thorough and robust investigation into the complaints Amanda Abbington has made, but there’s a growing feeling with the corridors of the BBC that this will not be the end of the matter. They are aware that there are a number of other former contestants who could be able to make complaints.”
They added: “They know many will be awaiting the decision into the Amanda and Giovanni review before they decide what to do. The BBC had hoped they could move into the new series in the Autumn with a line drawn under all the controversy which has been surrounding the show, but nobody working on the programme now realistically thinks this will happen.
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Meanwhile, emotions ran high for Amanda Abbington after she received an email containing a sinister death threat.
The writer warned she would “die on stage” if she did not withdraw a complaint about her 2023 dance partner, Giovanni – just after her run in the play It Happens To You began, at the Park Theatre in London.
Security has had to be drastically ramped up to secure her safety after the chilling claim.
However, investigators noted that the sender of the email appears not to have disguised the IP address it came from, raising hopes that it could be traced and the person identified.
It follows Amanda’s revelation that she is now too fearful to take public transport due to the “incredibly toxic and relentless” abuse she’s received online.
She admitted on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour last week that she felt like “public enemy number one” after making the allegation that Giovanni was “cruel” and “harsh” as a dance trainer.
Giovanni has denied her claims and says he’s confident he’ll be cleared on the basis of evidence from texts and Whatsapp messages he’s handed to the BBC.
No verdict has been issued yet – and Strictly bosses are reportedly hoping that the scandal with Giovanni will, for now at least, be the show’s last.
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Source: CNN