The upcoming 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing has been embroiled in scandal recently, with leaks of the cast lineup being revealed before the official announcement. Stars such as Pete Wicks, Paul Merson, and Nick Knowles have reportedly signed up to hit the dance floor, with rehearsals already underway. A leaked list on Reddit supposedly contains the names of all 15 celebrities set to compete, including famous names like Hannah Waddingham, Shobna Gulati, and Janet Street-Porter. The cast also includes comedians and actors like Chris McCausland, Ralf Little, and Pearl Mackie, among others. The BBC has yet to comment on the alleged list leak.
The ongoing scandal within the Strictly Come Dancing show deepened when Giovanni Pernice was suspended after being accused of abusive behavior by his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington. This was followed by the sacking of professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima over reports of verbally and physically abusing Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Production workers have now spoken out, claiming a toxic and cruel environment behind the scenes of the show, with allegations of invasive questioning and negative workplace culture. The BBC has responded, emphasizing the prioritization of crew welfare and the existence of thorough processes to address concerns.
Amidst the controversy, Amanda Abbington revealed that Giovanni Pernice was attempting to block the release of up to 50 hours of ‘toxic’ footage following her bullying complaint to the BBC. The actress, who left the dance competition last year citing personal reasons, claimed that the show’s producers were horrified by the footage showing behaviors of a sexual nature. She mentioned that Giovanni was trying to prevent her legal team from accessing the video evidence. Giovanni, meanwhile, strongly denied any threatening or abusive behavior. The unfolding drama within Strictly Come Dancing has resulted in the suspension of Giovanni and a probe into claims of off-camera misconduct by Amanda and other celebrities.
The leaked cast list for the 2024 series includes an array of celebrities from different backgrounds, including soap stars, comedians, musicians, and sports personalities. The lineup is set to mark the 20th anniversary of the popular dancing show, with names like Duncan James, Laura Kenny, and Jermaine Jenas adding variety to the mix. Amid the speculation and leaks, the show’s integrity has been called into question with allegations of abusive behavior and a toxic workplace culture. The BBC has been urged to address these issues promptly and ensure the safety and well-being of all involved in the production.
The scandal surrounding Strictly Come Dancing has cast a shadow over the show’s upcoming series, with allegations of abuse and inappropriate behavior marring its reputation. The leaked cast lineup has generated both excitement and concern among fans, who are eager to see how the show will address the ongoing controversy. The BBC’s response to the claims of a negative workplace culture and abusive behavior will be closely scrutinized as the show navigates these turbulent times. As the 2024 series approaches, the focus remains on the welfare of the participants and the need for a safe and respectful environment on and off the dance floor.
