One former Strictly star previously branded the ballroom show a “cult” years before ‘abuse’ controversy.
Over the past few months, the beloved BBC One dance competition has been plagued with serious accusations of “gross misconduct”. Two of their male professional dancers have faced allegations from their female celebrity partners.
Both men have been accused of bullying or abusive behaviour while training in the dance studios. Giovanni Pernice is currently under a BBC investigation after actress Amanda Abbington sensationally quit the show halfway through the 2023 series.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima ‘flees UK’ after axe for ‘hitting’ partner Zara McDermott
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Over the weekend, Graziano Di Prima was suddenly dropped from the show. It comes after complaints over his behaviour during training sessions with his 2023 partner, Zara McDermott.
(Image: Getty Images)
Now, it has emerged that former Strictly contestant Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 45, previously described the programme as a “cult”. The mum-of-three, who competed in the 2013, opened up about her time on the show and likened it to being part of a religious cult.
The musician, who was paired up with Brendan Cole, said: “We were asked questions such as, ‘Is this the best thing you’ve ever done?’, ‘How incredible has your dance partner been?’ ‘What will you do to fill the hole after Strictly?’
“And I had an epiphany that, ‘Oh my God – it’s like a cult! Trigger words and the constant repetition of how much it must mean to you.” The brunette beauty, who has been married to her husband Richard Jones for nearly two decades, claimed that the show almost left her marriage on the rocks.
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Writing in her 2021 memoir, Spinning Plates, Sophie said: “At Strictly Towers there was no one to help. There’s no emotional care at all aside from the wisdom and make-up chair counsel of the folk working backstage.”
The musician, who finished in fourth place, added that the pro’s also needed more protection. She went on: “For the dancers, too, they have to be choreographer, dancer and occasional psychiatrists.
“It starts off with you just being keen to show you can do the right heel or toe footwork for the chief judge, then your confidence in your ability to act or to be sexy gets tested, and that is more emotionally challenging.”
(Image: PA)
On Saturday (July 13), Graziano Di Prima, said he “deeply regrets” the events have led to his exit from Strictly Come Dancing as he confirmed his departure from the BBC show. The Sicilian dancer acknowledged that his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected [his] training regime.”
The BBC then confirmed that he will no longer be a part of the 2024 professional line-up this year. Graziano joined the dance competition in 2018 and has been partnered with Vick Hope, Judi Love, actress Kym Marsh and Zara McDermott over the years.
Fans will have to stay tuned to see who will replace the ballroom dancer on the show. Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
