Strictly Come Dancing has been making headlines despite being months away from this year's series thanks to claims surrounding Giovanni Pernice.
The 33-year-old choreographer ended up reportedly 'quitting' the series last week after claims made by Amanda Abbington following her stint alongside him in last year's edition of the BBC show.
Winner Stacey Dooley has now added to the discussion, with the 2019 Strictly winner urging people to "believe women".
Abbington, 52, made claims following last year's show about 33-year-old Pernice's behaviour towards her, stating she'd been diagnosed with PTSD following the experience.
Since then, it's been reported other celebrities who had in the past been paired with Pernice had met with Abbington to discuss their similar experiences.
Last week, it was announced the choreographer had quit the series over the ongoing claims.
Pernice made a statement over the weekend
ITV/BBC
Dooley, 37, won alongside her now-husband Kevin Clifton, and in a recent interview was asked her thoughts on the controversy.
"What I would say is, I don’t have a friendship with Giovanni," she made clear on BBC Breakfast.
She continued: "I didn’t even have a working relationship with Giovanni, and I haven’t been involved with that show for years – so it would be probably irresponsible for me to comment on that.
"What I would say, more broadly, is I hope all of the women involved are okay.
Dooley shared her thoughts on the situation
BBC
"I think, actually, separate from this – in my personal experience, I think it’s a slippery slope not to believe women when they come forward and say certain things. I just hope they're okay."
She went on to add: "Me and Kev, we’re so boring – we sit at home on the sofa with a cup of tea.
"He’s pals with a lot of the pros. But I don’t know enough about that incident to comment."
It comes as the BBC has reportedly launched an investigation over the claims.
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Abbintgon quit Strictly in week five of last year's competition
BBC
Pernice spoke out over the weekend as he took to social media to address the claims for the first time.
Part of his lengthy statement included: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me."
