Strictly Come Dancing has long been considered the jewel of British television. Known for its laughter, dazzling performances, and heartwarming celebrity journeys, it has consistently drawn millions of loyal viewers since its premiere in 2005.
However, the once-golden BBC series is now battling waves of controversy that have forced fans to question the truth behind the smiles.
As the show heads into its 21st season, returning on 20 September, internal tensions and scandalous allegations have started to surface.
The BBC’s beloved ballroom program, previously celebrated as a family-friendly spectacle, faces accusations ranging from bullying and harassment to inappropriate behavior and substance abuse. Well-known faces have been dropped, and previously admired professionals have become central figures in investigations.
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The chain of events has transformed Strictly’s backstage environment into one dominated by scrutiny and criticism. It is no longer only about who lifts the glitterball trophy but about how the production manages an unfolding string of damaging headlines.
Giovanni Pernice Axed After Bullying Allegations
One of the first major blows came when professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was accused of bullying by his 2023 celebrity partner, Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington.
After only a few weeks on the show, Abbington withdrew, citing personal reasons, but later claimed that her exit was due to “inappropriate and mean behavior” from Pernice during training.
Following an extensive investigation, the BBC upheld her complaints, confirming evidence of verbal bullying and harassment, although it ruled out claims of physical aggression. Pernice was officially removed from the Strictly lineup in June 2024.
Abbington described the findings as a “vindication” and thanked the BBC for acknowledging her experience. Pernice, through his spokesperson, denied any malicious intent, expressing relief that the inquiry did not find evidence of violent behavior.
Despite this, the scandal significantly impacted his public image. Pernice, once a fan favorite known for his passionate choreography, became synonymous with toxic workplace rumors and controversy.
His case also reopened broader questions about the pressure, discipline, and power imbalance between celebrity contestants and seasoned professional dancers.
Graziano Di Prima and the Zara McDermott Incident
Just when the dust began to settle, another controversy erupted. Weeks after Pernice’s removal, dancer Graziano Di Prima was dropped from Strictly following disturbing allegations made by 2023 contestant Zara McDermott. Reports revealed that during one rehearsal, Di Prima had kicked McDermott, leaving her deeply shaken.
Di Prima publicly apologized, admitting that his excessive competitiveness might have unintentionally crossed boundaries. He emphasized that the incident was not reflective of his character but a mistake made during an intense period of training. The BBC, however, took decisive action and removed him from the professional cast.
McDermott later shared her emotional turmoil, revealing that she had feared public backlash and “victim-blaming” before going public. Videos of certain training room incidents reportedly surfaced, confirming parts of her account. Her courage encouraged others to speak about the stress and physical demands behind the dazzling televised routines.
The case prompted the BBC to introduce new welfare protocols, including assigning chaperones to training rooms and deploying specialized producers to monitor interactions between professionals and celebrities during rehearsals.
Former Contestants Speak Out About Rehearsal Pressure
As allegations spread, more former contestants began revisiting their own Strictly experiences. Paralympian Will Bayley, who competed in 2019, shared that relentless rehearsal demands left him with a severe knee injury.
He stated that his partner, Janette Manrara, was supportive but described immense production pressure to perform high-risk choreography repeatedly, even through pain.
Bayley’s career-threatening injury forced him to withdraw from the competition six weeks in. “It’s something I will never fully recover from,” he said, expressing that the show’s quest for perfection sometimes ignored physical limits.
Former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore also broke her silence, claiming she felt “gaslit” when she raised concerns about Pernice’s behavior during her 2016 season. She said she was dismissed at the time, but the later incidents validated her feelings.
In response, the BBC implemented mandatory conduct and sensitivity workshops for all professional dancers and producers, in an effort to rebuild public trust and ensure a safer environment for everyone involved in the show.
Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick: Scandal on Tour
The live Strictly Come Dancing tour, once an extension of the show’s festive spectacle, was not immune from headlines either. Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, famed for his Go Compare commercials, came under fire for inappropriate conduct during the 2024 tour.
Footage from live shows depicted him touching his partner Katya Jones uncomfortably, leading fans to question his professionalism.
Evans dismissed the clips as a “misinterpreted joke” and described the online stories as exaggerated. However, matters worsened when he made an “inappropriate remark” during a promotional event, leading the BBC to remove him from the official tour.
Adding to the chaos, a leaked backstage video showed EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick joking about a sex toy allegedly sent by Evans. The footage spread across private chat groups before reaching BBC executives. Both Evans and Borthwick faced disciplinary actions, and Evans’s BBC Radio Wales contract was not renewed.
Borthwick’s troubles deepened after he was accused of using an ableist slur during filming in Blackpool. The BBC immediately suspended him, citing “unacceptable language” contrary to its values. He later apologized and was permanently removed from EastEnders, ending his 19-year run on the show.
Drug Allegations and Criminal Investigations
As Strictly’s reputation faltered, the BBC confirmed in August 2025 that it was investigating allegations of drug use among two unnamed participants. The case was referred by the legal representatives of a former contestant. Law firm Pinsent Masons was hired to lead the inquiry, though details remain confidential.
Compounding the show’s problems, reports surfaced weeks later of a former Strictly star’s arrest on suspicion of rape and non-consensual photo sharing.
Metropolitan Police officials confirmed the arrest of a man in his thirties but withheld his identity while the investigation continued. The news drew outrage and concern from fans and cast members alike, increasing the pressure on the BBC to ensure accountability and transparency.
Can the Show Rebuild Its Image?
For nearly two decades, Strictly Come Dancing represented joy, inclusion, and community all wrapped in music, sparkle, and storytelling through dance.
Yet, the past two years have forced the BBC to confront serious cultural problems within its production model. The 2023 and 2024 scandals marked a turning point, exposing a side of the show the audience never saw.
Despite the adversity, the BBC remains determined to restore credibility. With stricter HR oversight, counseling support for participants, and revised contracts emphasizing mental health, the network aims to regain public trust before Season 21 premieres.
Whether viewers will separate the sensational from the celebratory remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that behind every glittering samba and smiling judge, Strictly is now a production under the brightest, and possibly harshest, spotlight it has ever faced.
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