BBC bosses have widened the scope of their investigation into Strictly Come Dancing.
The show has been at the centre of a scandal that has dominated headlines ever since former star Amanda Abbington left the series midway through last year due to allegations of misconduct made against partner Giovanni Pernice. Since then, a number of well-known faces came out against the star, including former dance partners and celebrities alike.
However, as the probe into Giovanni continues into its sixth month, the channel is reportedly expanding on what is being deemed as “misconduct”. This comes after more complaints against the star were lodged with the BBC.
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Speaking to the Mail, sources close to the BBC competition have said that the accusations being made against Pernice are cause for the probe to be widened further. It is a tumultuous time for the show, however, as the competition is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year.
The insider said: “This investigation is no longer just solely about Giovanni but other, more wider issues. The show has been going for 20 years and the whole veneer of Strictly is so sparkly and lovely, of course there will always be people who feel hard done by.
“Amanda’s complaints have started something massive,” the source added. “It has opened the door for others to come forward about things they haven’t been with.”
As a result, it now means that Giovanni, 33, will have to wait longer to find out the result of the probe’s findings. Pernice has already shown his frustration at the process, after instructing a top legal firm to defend him from the claims that he strongly denies.
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Amanda was the first celebrity to come out against Giovanni after quitting last year’s series after five weeks on the dancer floor. Following this, Amanda alleged she was the victim of workplace misconduct, adding that the experience on the show gave her post-traumatic stress disorder.
Since then, a number of other names have reportedly come forward with their own experiences of the Italian stallion. These include Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh and former Love Island host Laura Whitmore.
Giovanni has said that he hopes will be vindicated by the end of the investigation. This year’s series will the first since 2015 that Giovanni has not been a part of, after he quit the show over claims he had been bullying his partners.
(Image: PA)
The BBC has not confirmed itself whether the probe has been widened, but did admit that more than one comment about the Sicilian’s conduct has been made. Meanwhile, Giovanni is focusing on his own career, working with fellow Strictly stars Kai Widdrington and Nadja Bychkova on their own dance workshop.
It was also confirmed that pro Aljaz Skorjanec would be returning after quitting in 2021.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
