Former Strictly Come Dancing pros James Jordan and Brendan Cole have mocked accusations of bullying on the scandal-hit BBC show.
James, 46, was embroiled in the drama when unearthed footage came out of him telling his former partner Georgina Bouzova he would ‘drag her across the floor and scream at her’ if she forgot her moves in 2006.
It was then reported his wife Ola’s, 41, previous partner Steve Backshall complained to the BBC that she had ‘bullied’ him when they starred together in 2014.
He has now made fun of celebrities who came forward during a BBC investigation into the series.
In a clip while rehearsing a dance routine, James could be heard saying: ‘This is what happens when you don’t have chaperones.’
Former Strictly Come Dancing pros James Jordan and Brendan Cole have mocked accusations of bullying on the scandal-hit BBC show
In a clip while rehearsing a dance routine, James could be heard saying: ‘This is what happens when you don’t have chaperones’
The camera then showed Brendan, 48, with blood pouring from his nose, as former Strictly pro Ian Waite apologised for ‘kicking him’, while Vincent Simone collapsed into laughter.
James added: ‘So it’s happened already, Ian, Ian has hit Brendan on the nose, split his nose open, possibly broken.’
James then showed a group of female dancers and said: ‘The girls are laughing, as if Brendan’s nose wasn’t big enough already, the blood is dripping.’
Brendan jokingly shouted: ‘Help me, help me’, with Ian adding: ‘Terrible, I feel so terrible, I’ve just broken Brendan’s nose! I feel so bad!’
It was recently revealed that BBC bosses are full of ‘panic and worry’ regarding the publication of a report into Amanda Abbington and her former Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
The actress has accused the dancer of bullying, which he denies. But the Mail can reveal that there are concerns at the Corporation about how the two parties will react when the results of the investigation are revealed.
There have been high-level meetings among bosses as they navigate how to deliver their findings as they fear the looming possibility of legal action from either Ms Abbington, 52, or Mr Pernice if either is disappointed by the outcome.
James was embroiled in the drama when it unearthed footage come out of him telling his former partner Georgina Bouzova he would ‘drag her across the floor and scream at her’ if she forgot her moves in 2006
It was then reported his wife Ola’s previous partner Steve Backshall complained to the BBC that she had ‘bullied’ him when they starred together in 2014
One source told the Mail: ‘This is an absolute mess and the BBC don’t know what to do for the best.
‘There is a lot of panic and worry that whoever it does go in favour of will really go for the BBC, so every single word of whatever is released doesn’t give anyone the chance to complain.
‘They literally don’t know what to do so it is being delayed and delayed. [Director-General] Tim Davie is a good guy but this is impossible to navigate.’
Giovanni has been at the centre of the BBC probe being conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda, 50, and two other former celebrity dance partners.
He has vehemently denied the allegations.
The investigation is due to be published in the coming days, and BBC staff have reportedly had their emails, texts and WhatsApps examined as part of the bullying probe.
Members of the crew have had their phones searched for references to Giovanni or Amanda in a bid to gather evidence.
The Mirror has revealed the subject access request is understood to have been made to the BBC by Amanda’s team, to provide any personal data or information that might shed light on her and Giovanni’s relationship.
A source told the publication: ‘People complied with it in the hope that it shoots down any claims of a cover-up.’
The win comes amid claims that BBC bosses are full of ‘panic and worry’ regarding the publication of a report into Amanda Abbington [pictured] and her former Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
The results of the the £250,000 investigation are set to be released just days before the 20th anniversary series is due to start
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023
Fellow dancer Graziano has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.
Confirming his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: ‘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.
‘There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.’