Strictly Come Dancing Crisis: No Longer TV’s Nicest Show

For two decades, Strictly Come Dancing has been the shining star in the BBC’s weekend TV lineup. The allure of the show rests in its ability to blend old-school glamour—complete with dazzling outfits, high kicks, and tans—with high drama—from nail-biting dance-offs to whispers of backstage affairs—all while maintaining a genuine warmth. Unlike other reality shows that thrive on exploitation and misery, Strictly has always exuded a welcoming spirit. Audiences don’t just tune in to watch celebrities with questionable dance skills learn the Charleston but to witness their self-confidence soar. Participants often credit the show with positively changing their lives, and their passion appears to be more than just a PR stunt.

Given that, the anticipated 2024 series was expected to be a grand celebration— a tribute to the show’s 20-year reign atop the entertainment world. Instead, a storm of accusations targeting two of its most beloved professional dancers has cast a shadow over Strictly, jeopardizing its status as a beloved national pastime. This controversy raises significant concerns about what’s happening behind the scenes. Can the show’s bosses revive its sparkle in time for its big anniversary in September? More importantly, will viewers accept the changes?

The current drama traces back to last autumn when dancer Giovanni Pernice, a show fixture since 2015, was paired with actor Amanda Abbington. Initially, the duo impressed the judges, but Abbington abruptly withdrew from the competition five weeks in, citing medical reasons. In January, the Sherlock star disclosed her diagnosis of mild PTSD. Reports suggested she had requested rehearsal footage and sought legal counsel. She even allegedly met with Pernice’s past partners, TV hosts Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore, for an emotional discussion about their experiences.

Months later, Pernice released a lengthy Instagram statement denying any abusive or threatening behavior. However, when the new Strictly pro lineup was revealed, Pernice was conspicuously absent. An internal investigation was said to be underway, with Pernice cooperating fully. The investigation spurred more allegations, intensifying the headache for the show’s bosses. Over the weekend, dancer Graziano Di Prima was also dropped from the show amid claims regarding his behavior towards his 2023 dance partner, Zara McDermott. Sources from The Sun reported that footage of one incident left observers in tears.

Di Prima, who had joined Strictly in 2018, expressed deep regret over the events leading to his departure. He admitted that his intense passion might have negatively impacted his training regime and acknowledged that stepping away was the right thing for the show’s sake. The BBC remained tight-lipped on individual cases but stressed they have robust duty-of-care procedures and act promptly if issues are raised. Yet, the circumstances surrounding Di Prima’s sacking have left fans puzzled. Why were these allegations only emerging now, especially when he had been confirmed for the 2024 lineup? A BBC source told the Daily Mail that the critical question is why Di Prima was initially asked back for another series.

Strictly has never been entirely scandal-free, with ongoing speculation about a so-called “curse” affecting the romantic lives of contestants and professionals. However, these recent allegations are particularly jarring for loyal fans because they tarnish the show’s image of wholesomeness. The Strictly “family” of professionals, celebrities, and judges has always celebrated its inclusive, happy environment. Now, it appears this image is fractured, with some pros supporting Di Prima’s statement while others remain silent. Head judge Shirley Ballas shared her bond with Pernice, stating in the Daily Mirror that he had been “very good” to her during their decade-long friendship.

So how is the BBC managing this wave of bad publicity? In May, amid the controversy surrounding Pernice, the broadcaster released a statement urging people not to engage in speculation—a move seen by many as too little, too late. Earlier this month, they announced that fan-favorite and former dancer Aljaž Škorjanec would return for the new season. The 34-year-old, who left Strictly in 2022, is known for his squeaky-clean reputation off-screen. Married to former pro Janette Manrara, who now hosts the BBC Two spin-off It Takes Two, Škorjanec’s return seems intended to fill the gap left by Pernice and restore some stability.

There are likely to be other significant changes behind the scenes. Unlike other reality shows like Dancing on Ice or Love Island, Strictly contestants do not currently undergo psychological tests before participating. Although the BBC claims to have strong duty of care protocols, this might need to change. Enhanced scrutiny during rehearsals seems inevitable this season. For its dedicated fans, Strictly serves as an escape from negativity, not a breeding ground for it. No one wants to watch September’s launch night wondering if the celebs are genuinely okay behind their stage smiles. BBC executives have a challenging few months ahead if they aim to restore Strictly’s shine.

Source: The Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror