SHIRLEY Ballas has said that “nothing is going to dampen” Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th anniversary celebration following controversy hanging over the latest season.
Her defiant comment comes just hours before the BBC’s findings on claims of bullying behaviour by ex-Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice are expected to be released.
The BBC launched an investigation after 2023 participant Amanda Abbington made allegations about Giovanni, branding his behaviour “abusive”.
The Italian, who has since left the show, has denied any wrongdoing.
The investigation also prompted other previous contestants including Love Island star Zara McDermott, TV presenter Laura Whitmore and Paralympian Will Bayley to speak up about duty of care issues.
New measures to “strengthen welfare and support” on Strictly, including a chaperone who would be present during training-room rehearsals “at all times”, have been introduced.
Speaking about the situation, head judge Shriley said: “To be perfectly honest, I stay in my lane. I don’t condone anything that some people may have gone through, but all I could say is the show that we will be producing this year is full of humour.
“I’ve never laughed so much in all my life from the launch show. I mean that Chris McCausland and Wynne Evans, they’ve got their own little battle going on. I think it’s just such great camaraderie … this year and everybody seems bright and light, and nothing is going to dampen this show in any shape or form.”
She continued to PA:”It’s got new twists and turns this year, and don’t forget the millions and millions and millions and millions and millions and millions of people that this show brings joy to, from every age group – from four all the way up to grandpa or grandma.”
Comedian McCausland, who is the first blind Strictly contestant, opera singer Evans, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, JLS star JB Gill, singer Toyah Willcox, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and reality TV star Pete Wicks are among the celebrities who are set to join the show this season as the first 2024 episode airs on Saturday.
Shirley went on to say that during competitive reality shows it is about the “pressure you put on yourself”.
Using her appearance competing on The Masked Singer as an example, she said: “Nobody put it on me. I had to go out there in front of millions and sing, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do something out of my comfort zone.
“I had the most thrilling and marvellous time. It was probably one of the highlights of my career. So, when people go on to the show (Strictly), of course, each person puts themselves under different pressures, people are there for different reasons.
“People are there just have a good old time, like Chris McCausland. He just wants to be part of it. See what he can do, pick up some steps. So, I think the whole thing is going to be absolutely joyous this year.”
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”.
