show's over?
Strictly insiders fear BBC show could be AXED as Graziano Di Prima becomes second pro to get the boot from show
An informed mole at Strictly revealed there is a 'nightmare' unfolding for the BBC
STRICTLY Come Dancing insiders fear the show could be AXED by the BBC, after a second pro has been let go from the show.
The Sun exclusively revealed today that Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from the Saturday night show over allegations of physical and verbal behaviour towards his celebrity dance partner Zara McDermott.
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Sources told us that Graziano was given his marching orders on Monday night following an internal investigation into a number of physical incidents involving Zara, who was partnered with him on the series last year.
Now insiders at the ballroom juggernaut have told Mail Online they believe the scandal surrounding the show, which began when Giovanni Pernice left after Amanda Abbington took legal action, could spell the death knell for the hugely popular show.
'Whole show is at stake'
"This is now about so much more than Giovanni, the reputation of the whole show is at stake,' one insider told the publication. "What was an investigation about Giovanni and Amanda's bruised toe [after the stamping accusation] is now a much wider inquiry.
"The standing of the whole show and its wonderful history could be affected by this. It's now about Strictly, not Gio.
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"Something has been recently reported and there is a suggestion that it minimises the claims against Giovanni quite significantly."
The source adds that Giovanni could be "collateral damage to a much wider situation" and that the situation is a "nightmare" for the BBC.
The insider added that the scandals surrounding the series could put top stars off from signing up.
Now fears that Amanda's claims and slurs against the show will put off any top talent being linked to Strictly while it remains under the microscope.
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"They were further down the line than this last year, when it came to knowing who was taking part," another mole told the publication
Aljaz mystery
Graziano's exit comes as the Italian dancer, 30, was initially announced as part of the pro line-up.
Strictly crisis deepens as Giovanni Pernice hit by fresh legal action from Amanda Abbington in 'BBC's worst nightmare'
Mysteriously, the same day that Graziano was given the chop, the BBC surprised everyone by announcing that former pro Aljaz Skorjanec was returning to the competition.
The unexpected announcement was revealed on The One Show that night.
At the time, fans assumed he was announced to take attention away from the Giovanni scandal.
But now it has emerged that Graziano had also been sacked the same day as the Aljaz announcement, questions surrounded the chaos of what is going on behind the scenes at the BBC's top show.
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The series was thrown into chaos earlier this year when it emerged Giovanni was stepping away from the series.
It then transpired Sherlock actress Amanda has sought the legal services of law firm Carter Ruck, and several other celebs who had worked with Giovanni had also come forward.
Tape row
Amanda also demanded rehearsal footage be released of her time working with the star, but Gio's team are said to have blocked the move.
For his part, Giovanni has firmly denied any allegations made against him and has vowed to clear his name.
Amanda pulled out of Strictly mid way through the run last year, citing 'medical reasons'.
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But there were signs of a feud between her and Giovanni, as she posted and then deleted a social media post about mental health.
She also failed to thank Giovanni in a post about her time on the show.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".