Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 11, 2024 10:40 am GMT
The popular Strictly Come Dancing tour featuring its professional dancers, known as Strictly the Professionals, has been cancelled for the upcoming year due to ongoing investigations into allegations of misconduct and bullying involving star dancers. The decision comes as the BBC prepares to release the results of its internal inquiry, which has drawn significant media scrutiny and public concern.
Cancellation Amid Allegations
The cancellation of Strictly the Professionals, which has run since 2010, follows a cloud of controversy surrounding several of its star dancers, including Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Both dancers have left the show under allegations of inappropriate conduct, with Di Prima admitting to having kicked his celebrity partner during rehearsals. Reports suggest that the decision to suspend the tour is partly aimed at protecting the show’s brand reputation amidst these troubling stories.
A source involved with the live productions commented, “Strictly is trying to rebuild as a brand and The Professionals tour was known as a hotbed of drinking and fun. The pro dancers work hard and play hard, but with everything that’s happened recently, it seems axing it eliminates the chance of any further issues.”
Investigation Outcomes Expected Soon
The internal investigation into the allegations is set to publish its findings imminently, and the delay of the Professionals tour is believed to be a strategy to mitigate further controversies in the interim. This measure reflects a growing awareness within the BBC of the need to address the workplace culture surrounding the series. In light of the turmoil, insiders assert that halting the tour is the best course of action at this time.
A representative from the BBC confirmed the hiatus, stating, “Due to artist availability, the UK tour of Strictly the Professionals is taking a break next year, and plans are currently being finalised for 2026. Tickets for the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will be on sale soon and booking information will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Controversies Surrounding Key Dancers
The decision to cancel the Professionals tour follows a series of incidents involving several dancers. Giovanni Pernice, who had an alleged bullying incident involving his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, departed from the show after the allegations surfaced. He has continuously denied any wrongdoing. Graziano Di Prima also faced scrutiny following accusations concerning his behavior during rehearsals.
Aljaž Škorjanec, another prominent dancer associated with the show, announced his departure last year after an incident with a female dancer during the 2022 Live! tour. However, he has since returned to participate in the upcoming series of Strictly. Insiders have expressed confusion over his re-inclusion, noting that the circumstances surrounding his exit were widely known within the industry. A representative for Škorjanec has insisted that he maintains utmost respect for colleagues and that allegations of aggressive behavior are unfounded.
Concerns Over Workplace Culture
As the BBC grapples with the fallout from these incidents, there is a heightened awareness of the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for all participants. The combination of talent, glitz, and high-pressure environments can sometimes lead to negative behaviors, which have now become a focal point in the current discussions about workplace culture on the show.
The recent scandals have sparked more extensive conversations about the protocols in place for protecting cast and crew from misconduct. The BBC has indicated its commitment to revamping its practices in hopes of returning Strictly to its former glory, which was once synonymous with entertainment and charm.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Strictly
While the Professionals tour may be on hold, the traditional Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour featuring celebrity contestants and professionals will continue as planned. The contrasting schedules reflect the ongoing popularity of the show, despite its recent challenges. Ticket sales for the live tour are expected to begin shortly, maintaining excitement among loyal fans.
As the BBC navigates this tumultuous period, the network has a clear goal of restoring public confidence in the beloved franchise while ensuring safety and respect among its dancers and staff.
A spokesperson for the show indicated that they are optimistic about the future, stating, “The measures rolled out by the BBC aim to stamp out misconduct and maintain the integrity of the performance. Our goal is to ensure that everyone involved in Strictly feels valued and respected.”
After the investigation, fans and people in the industry are excited to see how the famous dance competition might change in the future. As the show works to tackle its problems, many hope it will come back stronger and bring back the fun that has made Strictly Come Dancing so popular for many years.
