Five Strictly Come Dancing professionals could be facing the chop amid the show’s recent scandal.
Bosses are allegedly preparing for a mass sacking in 2025 as the stars of the 2024 series have just started their training. Whispers are circulating that “five pros could face the axe next year”, amid the controversies involving the show and former professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima.
An insider from the TV industry has hinted that while this year’s lineup is set in stone, there’s a growing sentiment that “Strictly needs a fresh start come 2025”.
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The Sun quotes the insider suggesting that some professionals may feel “entitled and untouchable” as they’ve not yet been dropped from the show, adding: “So for many of the pros turning up for rehearsals this week, it may be their last time.”
(Image: BBC)
The source also clarified that it’s “not a done deal” and the potential cull won’t simply be based on who’s been around the longest or is the oldest. They explained: “It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too.”
The source further revealed that the BBC’s alleged consideration of major changes and “bringing in fresh blood” indicates their determination to move forward and prevent any recurrence of the current scandals. “That could mean saying goodbye to some of the best-known pros – both male and female,” the insider disclosed.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
This comes after reports that Graziano Di Prima is accused of “repeatedly hitting and kicking” his former dance partner Zara McDermott, with allegations of verbal and physical abuse surfacing. Shocking video footage from their backstage time reportedly brought production staff “to tears”, and Graziano was dismissed hours after BBC executives viewed the clips.
Graziano joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and has been paired with radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panelist Judi Love, actress and TV presenter Kym Marsh, and Love Island star Zara McDermott over the years.
(Image: PA Media)
A BBC spokesperson confirmed: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”
The scandal started when Amanda Abbington walked out halfway through the 2023 series, later lodging a complaint with the BBC about how she was treated. She’s accused her ex-dance partner Giovanni Pernice for “inappropriate behaviour”, allegations he strongly refutes.
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