Anton Du Beke makes feelings clear over Graziano Di Prima axe as he sticks by Giovanni Pernice

Professional dancer-turned-judge Du Beke, 58, seems to have stood by Pernice since his celebrity partner of last year, Amanda Abbginton, first made claims about him after exiting the 2023 series early.

What followed was a BBC probe into the series which has had ongoing repercussions and clouded the glitzy family show in darkness.

In the period since allegations against Pernice came to light, Du Beke has made his stance clear by continuing to appear in shows and on tour with the 33-year-old.

He has in recent months accompanied him on interviews and other television appearances. As recently as Friday he was seen on social media laughing and joking with Pernice during their tour.

However, he seems to have taken a very different approach with Di Prima and has unfollowed him on Instagram, reports The Mirror, suggesting he doesn't want to support the Italian choreographer in the same way he's backed Pernice.

Di Prima, 30, admitted to having "kicked" Zara McDermott, 27, in rehearsals while he was partnered with her last year.

Pernice has continued to deny claims made about his "abusive" behaviour, which began after Abbington, 52, left the show "on medical grounds" in October last year.

She went on to claim she was diagnosed with PTSD following her Strictly stint and it was reported more of Pernice's former Strictly partners had supported her claims about his "militant" training approach.

In response, the BBC launched an investigation which seems to have lifted a lid on many controversies reported to be taking place behind the scenes of the popular family show.

Footage reviewed as part of the probe is what prompted bosses to remove Di Prima from the show, but it is also understood a third Strictly star, who is no longer a part of the series, has come up in the investigation.

The saga continued on Friday as Du Beke himself was dragged into headlines after reports suggest a historic complaint made against him in 2009 could resurface given the current investigation.

It came from a 2009 incident in which Du Beke issued an apology after calling his dance partner of that year, actress Laila Rouass a "p**i".

The Mirror reports Rouass' complaint leaves Du Beke likely to be embroiled in the current Strictly storm.

The dancer said at the time of the complaint: "I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language.

"During the course of rehearsals Laila and I have exchanged a great deal of banter entirely in jest, and two weeks ago there was an occasion when this term was used between the two of us.

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"There was no racist intent whatsoever but I accept that it is a term which causes offence and I regret my use of it, which was done without thought or consideration of how others would react. I apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused."

The actress, who has an Indian mother and a Moroccan father, accepted his apology.

She said at the time: "It was a situation which happened that we have moved on from and I accept his apology."

The BBC have declined to comment on the ongoing reports, but stated "We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging with speculation.

"However, as we have said previously we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly and we have appropriate procedures and processes in place to manage this.”