Strictly Come Dancing pro tour 'axed' in fresh blow amid show scandal

Giovanni Pernice has faced accusations, which he denies
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Strictly Come Dancing is reeling from a significant setback following months of talk of unacceptable behaviour behind-the-scenes. The beloved BBC show, renowned for its dazzling outfits and show-stopping performances, typically sees its professional dancers strut their stuff in venues nationwide. However, recent controversies have cast a shadow over the programme.

Ex-Strictly pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were at the centre of bullying allegations after their celebrity partners spoke out. Actress Amanda Abbington, who was teamed with Giovanni in the latest series, has opened up about suffering from PTSD following her short time on the show - but it has been reported that she won't be happy with the BBC's findings from its investigations.

In another revelation, reality TV star Zara McDermott shared that her time on Strictly, alongside Graziano, fell short of expectations, following an incident where he allegedly kicked her. Seasoned dancer Aljaz Skorjanec has also been implicated in rumours concerning his conduct with a fellow dancer during a tour, although The Mirror reports that no official complaint has been lodged against him with the BBC regarding the tour.

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It's now been suggested that the Professionals Tour has been cancelled, with one source telling The Sun: "Strictly is trying to rebuild as a brand and The Professionals tour was known as a hotbed of drinking and fun. The pro dancers work hard and play hard but with everything that's happened recently, it seems axing it eliminates the chance of any further issues."

They added: "The people who usually work on The Professionals tour have been told it's cancelled." Last year's tour dazzled fans with 12 of the show's pro dancers, including Giovanni, and typically kicks off in the spring and summer after the Strictly Live! tour wraps up.

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Whispers on Monday hinted that the findings from the ongoing investigation into the show could drop any day now, leaving fans on tenterhooks for the final word. Amanda reportedly was the first to voice concerns, levelling accusations of "bullying" and "aggressive behaviour." at Giovanni, who has since strongly denied all the accusations.

Reports suggest that the BBC is eager to put this drama to bed before the sparkling debut of the 20th series this Saturday. According to The Sun, with the countdown on for the new series' premiere, "the £250,000 probe has now reviewed all evidence".

In response to the unfolding drama, the same month saw the BBC implement "additional steps to strengthen welfare and support" for the programme. These measures reportedly involve the presence of a production team member during training room rehearsals "at all times".