The Strictly Come Dancing professionals returned to work on Monday ahead of the 2024 series with Kai Widdrington, Nikita Kuzmin and Neil Jones seen at the studio.
The BBC show has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was ‘cruel and mean.’ He denies the claims.
It was followed by Graziano Di Prima’s sacking last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with ‘how he remembers it.’
Heading to rehearsals this week, the dancers brushed off the drama, with smiling Nikita offering a peace sign.
The Strictly Come Dancing professionals returned to work on Monday ahead of the 2024 series (Kai Widdrington pictured)
The BBC show has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended and Graziano Di Prima’s sacking, but smiling Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin brushed it off
On Friday that Ukrainian dancer Nikita, 26, revealed he was getting ready to head back into the Strictly Come Dancing training room ‘in five days time’.
He made the comment while performing his last show with Layton Williams, where he confirmed he was preparing to meet his new celebrity partner, The Sun reports.
There was yet more drama for Strictly over the weekend as Amanda lodged new complaints, a female dancer was revealed to be facing allegations of bullying.
Speaking in her first interview since quitting Strictly Come Dancing in October, Amanda Abbington, 50, said Giovanni’s behaviour was ‘unnecessary.’
Amanda abruptly left the BBC show citing ‘personal issues’ and hasn’t been seen on screen since, even quitting social media last month in the wake of her former dance partner’s sacking.
Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Ms Abbington and two other former celebrity partners.
In an interview with The Sun, Amanda said: ‘I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.’
She continued: ‘I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.’
The group were also join by Carlos Gu, who looked stylish in a vest op and jeans
Lauren Oakley and Johannes Radebe made their way to practice with Kai
On Friday that Ukrainian dancer Nikita, 26, revealed he was getting ready to head back into the Strictly Come Dancing training room ‘in five days time’.
