Buckingham Palace cancels Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special amid misconduct probe

Plans for a Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special from Buckingham Palace have reportedly been scrapped.

The beloved BBC show will celebrate the milestone in December with the King and  Queen being huge fans..

But now according to The Sun the idea has been quashed, despite talks with the Royal household, due to ‘logistical problems’ ‘diary clashes’ and Giovanni Pernice’s misconduct probe also a ‘factor’ in the decision.

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A source told the publication: ‘[Queen Camilla] found the idea of hosting at the Palace exciting. But it was felt by some that the decision to welcome the show might come to be seen in a negative light.’

MailOnline have contacted the BBC and Palace for comment. 

Plans for a Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special from Buckingham Palace have reportedly been scrapped – despite the King and Queen being huge fans 

According reports the idea has been quashed, despite talks with the Royal household, due to ‘logistical problems’ ‘diary clashes’ and Giovanni Pernice’s misconduct probe also a ‘factor’ in the decision  (Giovanni and former partner Amanda Abbington pictured) 

A source said: ‘[ Queen Camilla ] found the idea of hosting at the Palace exciting. But it was felt by some that the decision to welcome the show might come to be seen in a negative light.’

MailOnline previous revealed that an episode during the 20th anniversary series would be screened live from the central London residence – and there will almost certainly be an appearance from the Queen.

Strictly sources said the BBC and royal officials had already decided which room the show would be held in, believed to be the ballroom, and the episode would mirror the familiar show set-up at Elstree Studios as much as possible.

One insider told The Mail on Sunday: ‘There have been talks going on for some time now. Camilla loves Strictly, so what a dream this is for her. It has been about getting the timing right and 2024 is the year. 

‘Strictly started in 2004 so it is two decades. There is huge excitement about this happening – it is going to be quite a night.

‘The Queen has been a long-standing fan of the show, so it feels like a perfect fusion. There has already been so much thought that has gone into this, the room has been selected and it will be absolutely stunning.’

Camilla’s love for Strictly is well known. In April 2022, she told 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis she had voted for her, adding: ‘I don’t know how you did all those dances.’

Giovanni, 33, is at the centre of a bullying row after claims made of misconduct by his Strictly partner Amanda Abbington, 52, and two other women, which led to him quitting the show amid the scandal.  

But he has reportedly said he is confident he will be cleared over allegations of misconduct.

MailOnline previous revealed that an episode during the 20th anniversary series would be screened live from the central London residence – and there will almost certainly be an appearance from the Queen (Queen Camilla meeting Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis  in 2022)

Camilla’s love for Strictly is well known. In April 2022, she told 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis she had voted for her, adding: ‘I don’t know how you did all those dances’ (Rose dancing with partner Giovanni) 

Giovanni, 33, is at the centre of a bullying row after claims made of misconduct by his Strictly partner Amanda Abbington , 52, and two other women, which led to him quitting the show amid the scandal

According to The Sun, the Italian commented on the claims to Perfumery & Co store co-owner David McConnachie, after he unveiled his unisex perfume Vita to fans.

David told the publication: ‘[Giovanni] said he is very confident it will all be sorted out soon.

‘He said all the training sessions had been recorded and he was sure that once they have all been reviewed it will all be resolved.’

He added that Giovanni was still a big hit with the British public and said fans were ‘queuing round the block’,

Up to five celebrities have ‘already provided formal statements’ to two ex-Metropolitan Police detectives who are leading the enquiry, according to The Sun. 

A source said the investigation could ‘extend into next year’ and management feel there is significant ‘pressure’ to ensure it is as thorough as possible.

The insider said: ‘Up to five stars have presented evidence in statements and WhatsApp exchanges. Gio is likely to be quizzed last, once everything else is in order.

‘He’s more than happy to speak to investigators and is determined to clear his name.’

The source added the BBC are hoping the findings will not be published in the middle of the upcoming series as the show celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Amanda left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni. 

The Sherlock star said she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and demanded to see footage from rehearsals. 

Amanda, left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni (pictured during rehearsals) 

In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she ‘cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while training with him 

Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh also complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show

Former partners have also come out to back him, including Debbie McGee, the widow of the magician Paul Daniels, who was paired with him in 2017

Amanda later rubbished reports Giovanni had asked the BBC to record his rehearsals with the actress over growing concerns about her behaviour – claiming she had requested their dance practices to be filmed, not him. 

‘I asked for them to be recorded, it was me. Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.’ 

The actress is said to have met with Laura Whitmore and Ranvir  Singh earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with Giovanni amid the BBC’s probe. 

Giovanni has denied the allegations and launched a fightback by hiring rival law firm Schillings. His case is being handled by Joelle Rich, 39, who represented Johnny Depp in his libel trial in 2020. 

A spokesman for Giovanni said: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm Giovanni is fully cooperating.

‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.’ 

Giovanni also shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies.

He said in a statement: ‘You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

‘I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.

‘Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!’