A GOOD Morning Britain host has opened up on the “heartbreaking” Strictly Come Dancing scandal after starring on the show.
He told how he wants the “glitter and spangles” to return after the BBC programme was plunged into fresh controversy, with The Sun exclusively reporting former contestant Amanda Abbington’s allegations of “cruel and abusive” conduct this weekend.
The Strictly turmoil was sparked when professional Giovanni Pernice, 33, quit the BBC show earlier this year.
He is currently under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
The same investigation also saw his fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of “physical incidents” towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27, while judge Anton Du Beke has now been drawn into the “misconduct probe.”
Additionally, former Strictly star James Jordan was forced to hit back after a viral clip of him calling his celeb partner Georgina Bouzova “fat” circulated online.
Now Good Morning Britain‘s entertainment reporter Richard Arnold, 54 – who starred on Strictly in 2012 and returned for the Christmas special seven years later – has spoken out.
He told Monday’s episode: “I mean I just want the glitter and spangles back to be honest.
“I find it heartbreaking people didn’t have the same experience I did, and as we did,” gesturing to GMB anchor Charlotte Hawkins, who also competed in the series in 2017.
Richard continued: “I had the time of my life – I mean it was completely nerve wracking and I was shredded by the end of it.
“Amazing but terrifying at the same time.
“And a real privilege to be in the arms of people at the top of their game, my partner Erin and Luba when I did the Christmas special.
“So we will wait and see as the autumn unfolds.”
Richard was partnered with Erin Boag in 2012 and Luba Mushtuk for the festive special.
In his 2012 series he was the seventh contestant to leave, following a dance off with Westlife’s Nicky Byrne.
Meanwhile, Charlotte was partnered with Brendan Cole.
The duo were eliminated in the fourth week of live shows.
Last week, fellow GMB presenter Richard Madeley hit out at the Strictly crisis – admitting the “lid was coming off” the show.
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”.
He also claimed industry insiders knew about the alleged abuse scandal “for years.”
After sharing an update with ITV viewers last week, Richard said: “I have to say the people I know in that programme all talk about these issues.”
He added: “They say they’ve all known for years and years and years but the lid has been kept on it and now it’s coming off.”
