Photo: BBC
By Kaitlin Easton of the ABC
The director of the BBC has been forced to respond to reports of abusive behaviour on the company's flagship show, Strictly Come Dancing.
Director general Tim Davie said the line should never be crossed and the company will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.
It comes after allegations of abuse were made against two of the professional dancers on the show.
So, what exactly is the Strictly Come Dancing scandal?
Sherlock star raises concerns over dancer behaviour
Actress Amanda Abbington quit the 12-week show after competing for just five weeks in October 2023.
In January of this year, reports began swirling that Abbington had requested footage of her training sessions with dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
The Sherlock star, 51, later revealed she was diagnosed with PSTD after her stint on the show and had received death threats.
She reportedly complained to BBC bosses that she had endured weeks of inappropriate behaviour.
In an interview with British newspaper The Sunday Times this month, Abbington spoke about her experience on the show for the first time.
"I've had the worst experience," she told the paper.
"The show was tough and horrible, but the aftermath of it I was not expecting. It's been really brutal and it just hasn't stopped."
"It's been awful, just relentless. Death threats and rape threats for just standing up for something that I thought was wrong.
"When I'm in a rehearsal room, I make sure that it's a place where everyone feels safe and feels like they're having a nice time. And that courtesy wasn't extended to me."
After an investigation, Giovanni Pernice - who had been with the show since 2015 - was axed from Strictly.
The Italian dancer vehemently denied allegations of abusive behaviour in statements posted on social media.
He said allegations were "simply false" and denied "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour".
Love Island star kicked by Strictly partner during rehearsals
Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show this month over concerns regarding his treatment of documentary presenter and former Love Island star Zara McDermott, who was his partner in 2023.
Photo: BBC via Giovanni Pernice Instagram
It is believed members of the production team spoke out and raised concerns about Di Prima when an investigation was launched.
McDermott was invited to discuss her experience with the BBC after a concerning video of her treatment was shown to bosses.
She released a statement after Di Prima was axed and said she was initially scared to open up.
Referring to a video allegedly showing her being kicked by Di Prima, she said it was "incredibly distressing to watch".
"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming," she said.
"But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show."
A spokesperson for Di Parma has since confirmed he did kick McDermott but denied allegations he spat on her during rehearsals.
He also denied the treatment continued for longer than a single incident. It is reported the Italian dancer has now returned to his home country.
"There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right," Di Parma's spokesperson Mark Borkowski told BBC News. "And he knows that.
"He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time."
On the day in question, Di Prima remembers that "he was pushing [McDermott] quite hard", Borkowski said.
But the "descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned".
He also pointed to various footage during McDermott's time on the show that shows them "having a huge amount of fun together through this process".
Claims a third star is being investigated
Days after McDermott released a statement on her treatment, an anonymous source reported that a third star who previously worked on the show was being investigated for misconduct.
"A professional's name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano," a source told tabloid newspaper The Sun.
This person has allegedly been named "a person of interest" and is part of a "dossier being complied" for the BBC.
There is a widespread issue over the conduct of some dancers, the source alleged.
"And the more people who come forward, the clearer the picture is becoming."
What exactly has the BBC said?
Boss of the BBC Tim Davie responded to the allegations in a video posted on the company's website.
He said he would not be commenting on "individuals" but emphasised that abusive behaviour is never acceptable.
"Strictly is a wonderful show that brings a lot of joy to a lot of people and has done so for 20 years," he said.
"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.
"At the same time, if someone feels there is something wrong or they want to talk about their experience then of course we want them to raise that with us.
"It is vital that we have the right protocols and structures in place for the show. We keep these under review and as you know, made changes to these last week. It is essential these are right for everyone.
"Of course alongside the fun and entertainment, there will be a degree of competitiveness, hard work and will to do well, that is part of what makes this show but there are limits and the line should never be crossed.
"We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind."
What is the BBC doing now?
After the investigation into Pernice and Di Prima, the BBC unveiled new welfare precautions for those taking part in the show.
Members of the show's production team will now be in all future rehearsals to observe behaviour and act as a chaperone.
A celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer welfare producer will also be added to the team.
The BBC said the production team and crew will also undergo more extensive training.
This story was first published by the ABC.
