BBC Strictly bosses confirm show's future after Graziano and Giovanni scandals
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have confirmed that the show will continue to run later this year, amid the sacking of professional dancer Graziano Di Prima.
Strictly bosses have confirmed that the BBC dance show will plan on making its return later this year, amid Graziano Di Prima's sacking and claims surrounding Giovanni Pernice.
Last week, it was announced that Graziano Di Prima would not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing over his behaviour to celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.
In a new announcement today, The Sun has reported that the show will continue to run in September with Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly returning as co-hosts.
According to a publication, a statement read: "Strictly Come Dancing will be bringing the sparkle back to Saturday nights on BBC One later this year.
"And in advance of this year's live shows we have an exciting opportunity to experience a taste of the magical studio experience by applying for tickets to watch our Strictly pros in action!"
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Strictly: Zara and Graziano speak during early 2023 rehearsals
Graziano Di Prima was let go by the BBC last week and is the second professional to exit the show after criticism about the "tough" methods used for training celebrities.
The Italian dancer admitted that he "kicked" his celebrity partner Zara during training rehearsals last year.
Speaking to the BBC, Graziano's spokesman Mark Borkowski said: "There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that. He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time."
Referring to the media reports, Mark added: "But he doesn't recognise some of the issues surrounding it. The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned."
He continued: "He [Graziano] has literally cut himself off from civilisation. I think that's a wise thing to do, supported by his wife. He's coming to terms with his mental health issues."
Mr Borkowski also added that Di Prima "does remember that he was pushing [Zara] quite hard" during the training day in question.
Graziano issued a statement on his shock departure, saying he "deeply regrets the events that led" to his exit. He claimed his "intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime".
Giovanni Pernice left the dance competition in June amidst allegations allegedly made by Amanda Abbington and two other celebrities. He denies all the allegations of "threatening or abusive behaviour."
Recently, Zara, 27, released a statement in regards to Graziano's sacking over claims of 'physical and verbal incidents.'
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She penned on Instagram: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Earlier this year, it was reported that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are introducing "duty of care packages" to celebrity partners in the upcoming series.
According to The Sun, safeguards are being introduced for dancers and celebrity contestants on the show, including counsellors and the offer of post-show therapy.
