Strictly Come Dancing scandal timeline: From allegations to safety protocols
The BBC has announced new welfare measures for Strictly Come Dancing amid allegations about the behaviour of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
Strictly Come Dancing has been making waves in the news recently due to allegations surrounding the behaviour of two professional dancers on the show.
Giovanni Pernice is facing claims about his teaching methods, which he strongly denies, while Graziano Di Prima has been accused of inappropriate conduct with a former participant.
In light of what the BBC has labelled as "concerns" that are primarily "fundamentally about training and rehearsals", the broadcaster has introduced new welfare measures for this year's series.
These include having a member of the production team present "at all times" during training room rehearsals.
Express.co.uk has put together a timeline of how the events have unfolded since October last year...
2023
October 23: Actress Amanda Abbington withdraws from Strictly.
October 24: Abbington announces "it is with deepest regret" that she has had to exit Strictly due to "for personal reasons" that have rendered her "unable to continue".
2024
January 6: The Sun reports that Abbington has requested footage of her rehearsals with partner Pernice.
January 13: Abbington reveals to The Sun On Sunday that she was "diagnosed with mild PTSD" post-Strictly and received death threats after her time on the show.
March 16: Pernice tells The Mirror's Invite Only podcast that it's a "shame" Abbington left the show early as he believes they could have "gone all the way".
May 18: Giovanni Pernice vehemently denies any accusations of "abusive or threatening behaviour" during his tenure on Strictly Come Dancing, amidst swirling rumours that the BBC is investigating several complaints about his on-set conduct.
May 29: The BBC pledges to address all complaints with utmost "care, fairness and sensitivity", amid the growing controversy surrounding Pernice's coaching style.
June 10: The BBC officially announces that Pernice will not be returning as a professional dancer for the 2024 series.
June 25: Fellow Strictly professional Gorka Marquez comments on the situation, remarking it's "just sad for everybody" following someone's departure, referencing Pernice's recent exit.
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July 13: Di Prima confirms he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing, amidst circulating allegations concerning his behaviour with a former show participant.
July 14: Abbington opens up to The Sunday Times about her distressing experience on the show, describing it as "tough and horrible".
July 16: Love Island's Zara McDermott addresses the rumours about her treatment during her stint on the show, confirming she has had frank discussions with the BBC.
July 16: Reports of a third male professional dancer becoming a "person of interest" emerge in The Sun. The pro is allegedly a former Strictly Come Dancing star. The BBC says it has not been told of a "so-called" third pro.
In response to the unfolding events, the broadcaster announces new initiatives "to strengthen welfare and support" for those on the show, including the constant presence of a chaperone during dress rehearsals.
