What we know about Strictly's future as BBC director general apologises
The director general of the BBC Tim Davie has said Strictly is in a position to "deliver a very good season" in 2024.
This year marks 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC. However, there have been questions over Strictly's future as some of the BBC show's professional dancers has faced allegations of misconduct. The BBC has now published its annual report amid the ongoing story. BBC took action and sacked Graziano Di Prima for kicking Zara McDermott in rehearsals on the 2023 series.
It came to light as the broadcaster is investigating misconduct on the show. Amanda Abbington dropped out of Strictly and later claimed her dance partner Giovanni Pernice was "militant" when it came to teaching. He denied any suggestion of "threatening" or "abusive" behaviour. Pernice has left Strictly but is cooperating with the BBC investigation.
The director general of the BBC has now addressed the future of the show.
What we know about Strictly's future
Strictly's pros reunited for the first rehearsals ahead of the BBC series starting in September this year.
While there have been some talk about whether the show will go ahead, the director general of the BBC has now spoken out about the 2024 series. Asked if he is confident the show will go ahead this series, he said: "I need to be assured we have the right safeguarding and duty of care in place, and that is the first question I ask. I am assured by the robust actions we have taken in terms of the changes we have made… That we are in a position to deliver a very good season this year and that has been my focus."
Mr Davie also told journalists: "Strictly is a wonderful show that brings a lot of joy to a lot of people, and has done so for 20 years, to both those involved with the show itself and to millions of people at home. Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew, have been part of it and had a brilliant experience."
The director pointed out there are "clearly learnings" especially when it comes to the training room. The BBC have taken action by putting in place new rules including chaperones in the 2024 series.
BBC's Tim Davie apologises
BBC's Davie apologised to Strictly Come Dancing stars whose experience "hasn’t been wholly positive". He said: "I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive, I think that is something we do reflect on, and I’m sorry about that."
The boss recognised that there are "limits and the line should never be crossed" when it comes to the BBC talent show, however he acknowledged there will inevitably be "competitiveness, hard work and the will to do well".
The director admitted he was "disappointed" when the allegations of misconduct first come to light. He added: "We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind."
What we don't know
Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington outcome
We do not know the outcome of the investigation into Pernice and Abbington's clash yet. The outcome of the Pernice probe are due anytime now. However, BBC director Davie said he was "not going to talk about individuals".
In a statement this week, Pernice's spokesperson said: "The BBC has shared allegations from the inquiry with Giovanni, who has cooperated fully. None of the allegations carried in the Sun on Sunday are included in any shape or form.
"Giovanni refutes these allegations and denies any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour. He has provided substantive evidence to the investigation, and he remains fully confident of clearing his name."
Abbington gave a new interview at the weekend to The Sun on Sunday saying: "I found Giovanni's behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn't sit back and let him do that to other people."
She continued: "I know the BBC knew about Giovanni's behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done. It wasn't an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him. I know what is on those tapes and I am not frightened of those tapes being seen. It goes way beyond treading on my toe. I know what happened and the fact he is blocking the tapes says a lot." Pernice looks forward to "clearing his name".
Will more former contestants speak out?
There are still months to go before Strictly begins. It begs the question, will more former contestants speak out about their experiences? Paralympian Will Bayley is the latest star to speak out about his time on the show. The athlete, who has arthrogryposis, a condition which affects all of his limbs, had to pull out early in the 2019 series after he jumped from a table leaving him with a life-long injury to his knee as he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and had to have surgery.
Janette Manrara who was his dance partner at the time has remained friends with Bayley. Her spokesperson told Yahoo: "Janette had a great time dancing with Will and one of her favourite moments on the show was doing their contemporary couples choice. Her celebrity partner's safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly. Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will."
A comment from the BBC said: "We have a longstanding protocol for dealing with injuries if they occur and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required."
Strictly's 2024 celebrity line-up
We are just weeks away from when the BBC usually announce the celebrities taking part at the start of August. Everyone is wondering, perhaps more than ever before, which celebrities will have signed up to take to the dance floor this year?
