The countdown to this year's Strictly Come Dancing is now in full swing after the BBC show confirmed the first two celebrity contestants of the series.
However, a dark cloud remains over the competition and as the consequences of the scandal continue, former professional and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara has admitted she has tried to "steer clear" of two fellow dancers.
The mother-of-one has admitted she hasn't tried reaching out to either Giovanni Pernice or Graziano Di Prima after both men left the show as a result of accusations made against them.
Both faced claims of "abusive" behaviour during rehearsals. Pernice, 33, has vehemently denied the claims, which were sparked by his partner of last year, Amanda Abbington, 52.
Di Prima, 30, admitted to having "kicked" Love Island star Zara McDermott, 27 as he made a statement about being axed from the show.
Calling herself a "girl's girl," Manrara explained she hasn't spoken to her former co-stars about the controversy.
Janette Manrara has opened up about the Strictly Come Dancing scandal
Getty
"I've tried to steer clear," she commented. "It's complicated and I'm a bit of a girl's girl. I just don't know.
"They were both really great friends and I feel very saddened by everything that's happening, not just to them but to the [celebs] involved. It's such a messy time right now," reports the Daily Mail.
Manrara herself was associated with the claims at one point as paralympian Will Bayley shed light on a "lifelong" injury he suffered on the show while partnered with the Cuban-American presenter.
Table tennis player Bayley, 36, has said he sustained the injury while jumping during a performance on the show, noting Manrara had made him redo the move.
Graziano Di Prima was axed following the BBC probe into the Strictly Come Dancing claims
PA
"Her celebrity partner's safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly.
"Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will."
Speaking to The Sun more recently, Manrara addressed the reports and explained: "I messaged him [Will] because we are really good friends.
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The BBC probe into Strictly was sparked following Amanda Abbington's complaints against Giovanni Pernice
BBC
"He immediately said, 'I'm so sorry, it's not meant to look like that. I don't want you to feel like it's you.'"
She went on to add she responded to simply say "It's OK".
A BBC probe was launched following the initial claims, and the broadcaster has announced new measures it will be taking on the show as a result.
