July 16, 2024, 11:24 p.m.
A third professional has reportedly been named as a “person of interest” in the Strictly investigation.
Photo: Alamy
A third professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly been named as a person of interest in the investigation into harassment on the show.
Strictly bosses have announced that professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice will not return for the next season of the show after the duo were accused of misconduct.
Di Prima has been accused of abusing his former dance partner Zara McDermott, while Pernice has faced bullying allegations from former partners including Amanda Abbington.
A source told The Sun: “A professional’s name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano. He is no longer part of the show but has been named as a person of interest.
“Discussions are continuing and there are other people who need to be spoken to. A dossier is being prepared and will be given to the BBC. What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a wider problem with the conduct of some professionals in training.
“And the more people come forward, the clearer the situation becomes.”
The fallout from this situation has also led television executives to introduce dedicated welfare coaches and producers as they seek to strengthen protective measures.
Graziano Di Prima’s contract was terminated last week following a meeting with Strictly bosses after he was accused of misconduct.
Photo: Alamy
Di Prima’s contract was terminated last week after a meeting with Strictly bosses, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The 30-year-old was due to appear in the next series before being contacted by programme bosses who wanted to question him about his behaviour. A source from the show said: “Graziano had to leave. It was horrible.”
The complaint against Di Prima was filed recently and prompted TV executives to extend an ongoing investigation into allegations that another former professional, Giovanni Pernice, bullied his partner Amanda Abbington during training.
Meanwhile, Pernice was accused of adopting “militant” training methods for his celebrity partners.
Three of Pernice’s former partners on the show – Laura Whitmore, Michelle Visage and Abbington – have all reportedly contacted a law firm to complain about him.
Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice during the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour at Arena Birmingham.
Photo: Alamy
Mr Di Prima’s dismissal came after his partner in last year’s show, Zara McDermot, spoke out against the dancer.
Ms McDermot said she had “struggled with the fear of opening up”.
“I was afraid of the public reaction, I was afraid for my future, I was afraid of being victim shamed,” she said on Instagram, adding: “I felt it was only right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.”
Ms McDermot continued: “I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to do whatever it took,
“And a lot of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamed of. The whole production team and everyone working behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were amazing to be around.
“However, my experience in the training room was very different.
“There were reports about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some of the events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”
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Mr Di Prima said he “deeply regrets” the events that led to his departure from Strictly.
In a statement on Instagram, he said: “My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training schedule. Respecting the HR process, I understand it is best for the show that I step away.
“While there are aspects of this story involving outside influences that I cannot discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family every success in the future. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time comes, I will share my story.”
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Giovanni Pernice’s partner from last year, Amanda Abbington, is considering further legal action following accusations he refused to release their rehearsal videos.
However, sources on the show say Mr Di Prima’s behaviour makes Ms Abbington’s claims that Giovanni injured his toe during rehearsals “minuscule”.
One said: “It seems like everything Gio has done has opened a Pandora’s box.
“It’s incredibly brave of Zara to come forward with her grievances. It’s never easy for a woman or anyone who has been abused to do so.”