STRICTLY Come Dancing’s stellar professional cast were all smiles as they headed to rehearsals for the upcoming 2024 series – despite the huge controversy surrounding the show.
The BBC stars – who included Dianne Buswell, 35, Nikita Kuzmin, 26, and Katya Jones, 35 – looked in high spirits as they returned to their intense training schedules in London.
Carlos Gu, 31, and Nikita flashed peace signs to the camera while Aljaz Skorjanec, 34 – who is returning for Strictly’s 20th anniversary year – gave a cheery thumbs up.
Yet his delight came shortly before his wife – former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, 40 – broke her silence on claims by her former celeb partner Will Bayley.
The mum of one spoke out after The Sun told how she is alleged to have branded one of the sports ace’s jump’s as “rubbish” before asking him to repeat the feat.
Paralympian Will, 36, said he was encouraged to leap from a table despite his concerns.
He was hurt during a studio rehearsal with Janette watching from the sidelines as he went through the routine with fellow pro Nancy Xu.
His comments are now part of Strictly’s official investigation.
Also absent from the BBC dancing crew strolling to the studios in the UK sunshine was Giovanni Pernice, 33, who 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, – so he was not part of the arrivals either.
Yet, our exclusive images show how the likes of Nancy Xu, 32, and Neil Jones, 42, have more than enough energy to take their places.
Nancy was seen jumping in the air and Neil – who recently became a dad – showcased a signature grin as he exited his car.
Strictly regulars will no doubt be elated to spot Amy Dowden, 33, in the mix after her battle with breast cancer.
The Welsh pro – who donned a red crop top, denim skirt and white blazer as she arrived at rehearsals – was forced to miss the previous series due to her treatment.
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”.
Yet the dance crew kept her well and truly part of the gang, with a series of cameos on the BBC live shows.
Johannes Radebe, 37, was also in a positive mood, pulling on a pair of sunglasses as he exited his vehicle.
Katya – who has kept pals with her professional pairings including GMB host Ed Balls – couldn’t be missed in a bright yellow blouse and patterned skirt.
Former show champ Jowita Przystal, 29 – who won her first ever Strictly with BBC host Hamza Yassin – oozed fashion sense with an oversized jacket, black boots and a summer dress.
She kept a serious expression as she flung a tote bag over her shoulders and headed up a series of steps.
Nadiya Bychkova, 34 – who herself has suffered recent heartache following her split with co-star Kai Widdrington, 28 – kept things low key in a hoodie and joggers.
Gorka Marquez, 33, arrived flanked by Karen Hauer, 42, and Luba Mushtuk, 34, while Lauren Oakley, 33, appeared to have been tasked with the coffee run, arriving with a tray of take out drinks.
Vito Coppola, 31 was armed with two items of luggage before he juggled his bags for a hug with Kai.
Rehearsals for the show – which ordinarily kicks off in September – are now underway, giving Strictly fans hope things are back on track after a tumultuous few weeks.
Yet the studio time comes just hours after actress Amanda Abbington told The Sun of what she deemed to be her “cruel and abusive” partner Giovanni.
She previously complained to the BBC that she endured five weeks of inappropriate behaviour on the last series, before pulling out and being diagnosed with PTSD.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday Amanda, 50, said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
“I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.
“I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed.
“Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job.
