The BBC has introduced new safeguards and an extensive duty of care package for Strictly Come Dancing amid a probe into alleged workplace ‘misconduct’ from pro dancer Giovanni Pernice.
In the wake of the allegations against Giovanni, who has quit the show, crisis meetings have been held leading to a new series of safeguards for both the celebrities and their professional dance partners.
The Sun report that stars on the upcoming series, which starts in September, will have access to on-call counsellors, while there will be cameras to film all training sessions alongside offers of post-show therapy and chaperones.
Celebrities will also undergo psychological testing to ‘ensure they are robust enough’ to cope with the attention that comes with starring on the show.
The BBC has introduced new safeguards and an extensive duty of care package for Strictly Come Dancing amid a probe into alleged workplace ‘misconduct’ from Giovanni Pernice
The BBC launched an investigation after the dancer was accused of ‘threatening and abusive behaviour’ while working with celebrity contestants on the show, including Amanda Abbington (pictured)
New guedelines including training sessions and webinars will also be implemented across all BBC reality shows, under the guidance of a duty of care executive.
A source told The Sun: ‘Strictly is the jewel in the crown of their schedule, and upwards of ten million people tune in weekly — that’s a lot of pressure for everyone involved.
‘The BBC is under enormous pressure to ensure this series goes without a hitch. Cameras will be installed pretty much everywhere and a counsellor will be on call 24/7.’
BBC director of unscripted shows, Kate Phillips, added: ‘The BBC takes its duty of care incredibly seriously and are always looking at ways to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of contributors.’
MailOnline confirmed on Monday that the investigation into Giovanni ‘s alleged workplace ‘misconduct’ is still ongoing after Strictly confirmed the Italian would not be appearing in the upcoming series.
The dance pro’s absence from this year’s line-up was finally revealed on Monday when the BBC1 show announced which dancers would be competing.
The big reveal is a routine procedure by show bosses and does not mark the end of the probe into Giovanni’s behaviour. A show insider said: ‘Giovanni’s case is very much ongoing.
‘The announcement is circulated when Strictly have finalised the contracts of the pros who are able to compete.
In the wake of the allegations against Giovanni, who has quit the show, crisis meetings have been held leading to a new series of safeguards for both the celebs and their pro dance partners to be drawn up
‘Giovanni’s absence has been known for some weeks, he won’t have anything to do with the 2024 season.
‘But the investigation into his alleged wrongdoings will continue to develop alongside preparation for the upcoming series.’
Debbie McGee spoke out in support of her former Strictly partner Giovanni once again on social media on Tuesday.
Magician’s assistant Debbie, 65, who was Giovanni’s celebrity partner on the show back in 2017, admitted she’s ‘heartbroken’ for the Italian dancer, 33.
Debbie claimed he ‘nurtured her through grief and gave her confidence’ during their stint on the show, as she defended the dancer for a third time.
Alongside a photo of the pair, she penned: ‘I am heartbroken for @giovannipernice My experience on Strictly will always be happy and life changing.
‘Gio nurtured me through my grief and gave me confidence I could do things I thought was beyond me. ❤️’
Debbie McGee, 65, spoke out in support of her former Strictly partner Giovanni, 33, once again on social media on Tuesday, after it was confirmed he won’t return for this year’s series
The BBC launched an investigation after the dancer was accused of ‘threatening and abusive behaviour’ while working with celebrity contestants on the show, including Amanda Abbington, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore – which he has strongly denied.
Last week a male celebrity reportedly joined the group of women making complaints about Giovanni’s behaviour.
It has also been claimed that a professional dancer needed three months of therapy after starring on the show alongside Giovanni.
James Jordan gave his opinion on the drama after it was confirmed he won’t return to the series.
Appearing on This Morning on Tuesday, former dancer on the show James and his wife Ola gave their views on the decision, as James admitted: ‘It’s a shame it has come to this’.
He added: ‘The only thing I will say is there is no smoke without fire and I have always protected the professional dancers and we don’t know the ins and outs of it.
The professional dancers who will appear on the upcoming 2024 series were announced on Monday – with Giovanni’s name absent amid a probe into alleged workplace ‘misconduct’
‘Isn’t the proof in the pudding a little bit. He is not back on the show so clearly, whether he has decided not to go back or whether the BBC have not asked him back there is something going on and we have not seen the footage.’
While James left the show back in 2013, he confessed: ‘I would be devastated, is this happened to me.
‘For four people to come forward there must be something there,’ before adding: ‘It is very difficult to go on something that we do not see’.
Meanwhile his wife Ola explained: ‘Not everyone gets on and you have to change how to dance with each one.’
Fellow professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff also appeared on the ITV daytime show as she joined hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley in studio to share her upset over the news.
She began: ‘I think the show will always go on and do great things because they have a great pool of dancers.’
Looking visibly saddened, Kristina explained: ‘The news is very sad as I think when you lose one of the best choreographers and dancers on the show as a professional it is very sad.’
Amanda Abbington left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni
‘He produced some very memorable dancers and took a few of his celebrity partners all the way to the final.
‘So from a professional point of view the show will lose a wonderful dancer and choreographer.’
Amanda left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni.
The Sherlock star, who is now being represented by £700-an-hour law firm Carter-Ruck, said she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and demanded to see footage from rehearsals.
Kristina confirmed she always had her rehearsals recorded, as she added: ‘I have never not had the training sessions recorded’.
On Monday the lineup for the next series confirmed the return of dancers Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk.
Joining them are Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
While Amy Dowden is also coming back to the dancefloor after taking a break from the show last year to undergo cancer treatment.
The BBC also confirmed the return of judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
