STRICTLY bosses drafted in security to protect their professional dancers as they reunited for the first day of rehearsals.
Insiders told The Sun how Katya Jones was among the professionals who was pleased to see the hired heavies on hand at the dance studio in London, revealing she was “worried” about a possible backlash in light of recent events.
Professionals including returning dancer Aljaz Škorjanec, Karen Hauer, Johannes Radebe and Nadiya Bychkova grinned as they posed for a photograph.
Sharing the picture on Strictly’s official Instagram account, the show said: “Day one of Strictly 2024 rehearsals done.
“We can’t wait to share our new pro routines with everyone soon.”
A source on the show told The Sun how security was drafted in as a precautionary measure.
They said: “The professionals were all in great spirits as they met up as a group for the first time since the internal probe began.
“The BBC clearly didn’t want to take any chances though and had security there with them.
“They kept a low key presence but were keeping an eye out.
“Katya remarked that she was pleased they were there because she had been worried about a possible backlash.
“It has been a difficult time for many of the professional dancers recently.
“There has been a lot of uncertainty and coming together as a group has been great for team unity.”
On Monday, The Sun reported how a number of celebrities who had competed on Strictly over the years had clubbed together in WhatsApp groups to discuss the ongoing scandal.
Giovanni Pernice quit the BBC show after he was accused of clashing with Amanda Abbington, claims he vehemently denies.
Graziano Di Prima was fired earlier this month after it was revealed he had kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
Insiders said the BBC were looking to shake up the format next year, with a potential cull of some of the professional dancers.
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”.
A TV insider said: “There isn’t much they can do to change the line up for this year’s crisis-hit show, but the feeling is that Strictly needs to make a fresh start in 2025.
“There’s the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable.
“So for many of the pros turning up for rehearsals this week, it may be their last time.
“It’s not a done deal, and it’s not just going to be a case of the oldest or longest-serving being shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too.
“The fact that the BBC are even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and make every effort to ensure nothing like this happens again.
“That could mean saying goodbye to some of the best-known pros — both male and female — but when it comes to Strictly, nobody is ever bigger than the show.”
