Laura Whitmore says 'it's all coming out now' in bombshell new claim about Strictly drama

Laura Whitmore has opened up about her time on Strictly Come Dancing, hinting at turmoil as she declared: "It's all coming out now." The 39-year-old presenter, who danced with Giovanni Pernice in the 2016 series, has been vocal following allegations levelled against the professional dancer by Amanda Abbington.

The actor accused Giovanni, 33, of "bullying" and "aggressive behaviour" during last year's show, allegations he has vehemently denied.

Whitmore has confirmed that she reported certain incidents to BBC bosses that occurred during her participation, which she felt were "wrong". In a fresh revelation, the ex-Love Island host alleged she was "gaslit" when she initially brought up issues nearly 10 years ago.

Speaking to The Irish Times, she disclosed: "The stuff I'm not going to talk to you about now because it's under review, that's all coming out now, the stuff I tried to speak about eight years ago."

Reflecting on whether her concerns were previously ignored, she claimed: "Or [I was] gaslit to make it seem normalised. It's a shame that it has to come out in such a victim-shaming way, which it always does. And being the first person to speak up about anything is always hard," reports the Mirror.

Laura recently took to Instagram to address the ongoing scandal surrounding the show, expressing her desire to "show support" and clarify the situation.

Speaking to her 1.5 million followers, she stated: "I was trying not to comment on recent press speculation until the BBC review is complete but feel there is a lot of misinformation in the press and I want to help and show support by setting the record straight."

She continued, revealing her involvement with the BBC's investigation: "I was asked to speak to the BBC along with six people that I know of (who deserve anonymity as they don't want to be dragged through the press), about inappropriate behaviour they experienced similar to mine with the same individual.

"I initially raised concerns back in 2016. I thought my experience was specific to me but I've since learned I was wrong."

Laura further explained her intentions behind coming forward: "The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop. My evidence is to support other people's experience. It's a shame it takes this for someone to be heard.

"I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won't happen to anyone else again. Because I have not made an official complaint, and am providing evidence of my experience to support the investigation, not all the communication will be passed on to all parties involved."

She further stated: "Misinformation is being put into the press so l want to set the record straight. Victim blaming must stop or we will never get better. I've tried to speak up in the correct way. I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up."

The BBC has conducted an internal investigation following complaints about Giovanni, with the outcome due to be published this week.

Giovanni has denied all allegations made against him. In a statement shared to Instagram in May, Pernice wrote: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.

"No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners."