BBC addresses future of Strictly amid 'abuse' scandals as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman 'stand by show'
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be returning to the series
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing's future has been on the line after Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were axed following allegations of "abuse" and "bullying" - but the BBC is adamant it is here to stay.
Di Prima became the second professional involved after a source came forward and claimed they had witnessed the 30-year-old "kick, hit and spit" at Zara McDermott during their time together.
Whilst Di Prima has recently admitted to kicking the former Love Island star, he has denied ever spitting at her, claiming that his passion and desire to win "may have effected" his training regime.
Since the allegations of Pernice and Di Prima, many have questioned how the show will recover and move forward in the future - especially as bosses gear up for the 20th-anniversary special.
However, remaining optimistic about the shows future, the BBC said in a statement to The Sun: "Strictly Come Dancing will be bringing the sparkle back to Saturday nights on BBC One later this year.
"And in advance of this year's live shows, we have an exciting opportunity to experience a taste of the magical studio experience by applying for tickets to watch our Strictly pros in action!"
Graziano Di Prima was axed after claims of 'abuse' against Zara McDermott
BBC
It seems that hosts Tess Daly, 55, and Claudia Winkleman, 52, are also sticking by the shows side as it has been reported that they aren't leaving anytime soon.
A source told the same publication: "Just like everyone else Tess and Claudia are shocked by the allegations which are coming to light.
"Naturally in light of the show being plunged into scandal those who work on the programme have speculated if either of them will want to jump ship.
"However, privately both Tess and Claudia have vowed to stand by the show and co-present this year's series in a few months. To them Strictly is very much a family and they want to give the show and bosses their full support."
Giovanni Pernice quit the show after Amanda Abbington claimed she had PTSD from their time together
BBC
GB News has contacted the BBC for a comment.
The confirmation of the shows future comes after a third former Strictly professional was brought into the investigation - despite no longer working for the dance show.
"A professional's name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano. 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.
"A dossier is being compiled which will be handed over to the BBC. What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread issue over the conduct of some of the professionals in training.
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Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott are currently involved in the investigations
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"And the more people who come forward, the clearer the picture is becoming," a source claimed the The Sun.
The ongoing claims against the professionals have forced the BBC to make some changes to the show which have reportedly included plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers.
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