The ITV morning show saw Richard Madeley, Kate Garraway, Neev Spencer and Stephanie Takyi discuss the topic. This was after pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was dramatically dropped from the line-up for the 2024 series despite being confirmed to return last month. It’s been claimed Di Prima’s departure followed unspecified allegations made by those working on the show who had observed Di Prima’s rehearsals with TV star Zara McDermott, whom he was partnered with on the 2023 series, .
Di Prima released a statement on Instagram, saying: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. “While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away.
I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.” Alongside that, a controversy emerged with Giovanni Pernice who was paired up with actress Amanda Abbington on last year's series. Just five weeks into the competition, Abbington abruptly pulled out on medical grounds, and then in January, she revealed she had been diagnosed with mild PTSD.
Reports claimed she’d requested rehearsal footage and was seeking legal advice, and a few months later Pernice released a lengthy statement on Instagram. He said that he “reject[ed] any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour” and that he “lo.