Strictly Come Dancing has made headlines following the Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice scandals. The dancing competition could be cancelled this year according to the latest odds from Ladbrokes.
The beloved BBC show was thrown into chaos at the weekend when a second professional dancer was dropped from the 2024 lineup over allegations of gross misconduct.
Graziano, 30, was axed from the show following allegations of an altercation between him and former show partner Zara McDermott. He was accused of "hitting and kicking" the former Love Island star, 27, when they were teamed up for the competition last year.
The news of his departure comes off the back of Giovanni Pernice's exit, 33 - who is under investigation by the BBC following allegations of misconduct made by Amanda Abbington.
As the hit BBC One show continues to face criticism the bookies have slashed the odds into just 10/1 that the 2024 series does not go ahead as planned.
Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes said: "Everyone thought Strictly was squeaky clean but the reality looks far from it, leaving us with little choice but to slash the odds Beeb bosses give it the boot."
Sources have also suggested this could be the beginning of the end for the show.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the TV insider said: "There is absolutely no doubt that those very high up on Strictly, and wider at the BBC, knew about Graziano's behaviour but they allowed him to still appear on screen."
They continued: "How on earth can you just let them off when they have done something like that?
Zara and Graziano quickstep to Anyone For You
"Maybe it's because he was adored by some of the bosses, who knows, but whatever the reason for not dealing with this properly cannot be ignored. This is surely the beginning of the end for Strictly now. This is a terrible, terrible crisis."
Soon after the news broke, Graziano took to social media and released a statement admitting he "regrets the events" that led up to his show exit.
The pro-dancer added: "My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
"Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.
"While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
"I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future."
