A third professional dancer's name has reportedly been given to lawyers after being identified as "a person of interest" amid the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing scandal - but the dancer in question is understood to no longer be part of the show. It comes as professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima have been accused of bullying behaviour towards their partners on the BBC programme.
Former winner Giovanni, 33, quit the dance programme earlier this year after his 2023 celebrity partner Amanda Abbington claimed her time with him left her with PTSD. Giovanni has denied all claims made against him and told the BBC he rejects "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour".
In recent days, Graziano, 30, was axed by the show following allegations of gross misconduct towards his celebrity partner Zara McDermott. The Italian dancer is alleged to have "repeatedly kicked and hit" his 2023 partner during their training sessions.
Earlier today, the BBC announced new measures to protect stars taking part in the upcoming series following the allegations made against Giovanni and Graziano. Going forward, a member of the Strictly Come Dancing production staff will be present in all future rehearsals.
Regarding the alleged third dancer, a source told The Sun: “A professional’s name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano." They also claimed: “He is no longer part of the show but he has been named as a person of interest. Conversations are ongoing and there are more people who need to be spoken to."
They claimed a "dossier is being compiled" and it will be handed over to the BBC.
In response to the latest claims, a BBC spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “As we told The Sun, we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly.”
They also said the corporation hadn't been informed of a third professional dancer being a person of interest and stated "Strictly is not probing any third person".
Former Love Island star Zara, 27, broke her silence about Graziano's dismissal on social media yesterday (Monday, July 15).She penned: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up — I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
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“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
The reality TV star also said seeing video footage of "particular incidents" was "distressing" for her.
In a statement confirming his exit, Graziano shared: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand that it’s best for the show if I step away."
Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens later this year at a date yet to be confirmed by BBC bosses.
