Laura Whitmore says she received 'inappropriate behaviour' during her time on Strictly
She was paired with Giovanni Pernice in 2016
Despite BBC bosses apologising and confirming the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing will be going ahead, it looks like the controversy surrounding the alleged 'inappropriate behaviour' in the rehearsal rooms shows no signs of slowing down.
Following Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott's complaints about professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore has now publicly spoken about her time on the show, alleging she received 'inappropriate behaviour' in 2016.
Laura, who was paired with Giovanni during the series, took to social media over the weekend to break her silence on her time on the show.
Despite not naming anybody in her post, Laura confirmed she's been in contact with the BBC alongside six other people, speaking about their experiences on the show.
She wrote: ‘I was trying not to comment on recent press speculation until the BBC review is complete but feel there is a lot of misinformation in the press and I want to help and show support by setting the record straight.
‘I was asked to speak to the BBC along with six people that I know of (who deserve anonymity as they don’t want to be dragged through the press), about inappropriate behaviour they experienced similar to mine with the same individual. I initially raised concerns back in 2016.
‘I thought my experience was specific to me but I’ve since learned I was wrong.
‘The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop. My evidence is to support other people’s experience. It’s a shame it takes this for someone to be heard'.
She added: ‘I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again.
‘Because I have not made an official complaint, and am providing evidence of my experience to support the investigation, not all the communication will be passed on to all parties involved.
‘Misinformation is being put into the press so I want to set the record straight.
‘Victim blaming must stop or we will never get better. I’ve tried to speak up in the correct way. I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up.’
Laura's allegations arrive after 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington alleged she was 'bullied' on the show, calling her experience 'inappropriate, mean and nasty' in a tell-all interview on Lorraine last week.
Despite Giovanni denying all allegations, both he and fellow Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima have been removed from the 2024 professional line-up, with BBC bosses also increasing their welfare and support procedures for the 20th anniversary series.
BBC bosses have now confirmed a chaperone will be present in all rehearsals between the pro dancer and celeb contestant.
Check out all of the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 rumours below:
Pete Wicks
According to reports in the media in late July, former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has signed up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing! Pete is no stranger to TV, having appeared on the likes of Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and The Real Full Monty in recent years.
Paul Merson
Football legend Paul Merson has reportedly signed to appear on this year's series, following in the footsteps of his former Arsenal team mate Tony Adams.
GK Barry
Social media star GK Barry, also known as Grace Keeling, is rumoured to be in talks for the 2024 series, with bosses eager to bring in a younger audience. According to reports in the media, GK Barry is in 'advanced talks' after two meetings with bosses.
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS host Nick Knowles is also reportedly set to appear on the show this year, having been a huge fan for years.
Nicola Roberts
Following her appearance on the 2022 Christmas special, Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts could be about to sign up for the main show in 2024! Bosses are reportedly very keen to get Nicola on the show, following the success of Girls Aloud's reunion tour earlier this year.
Jill Scott MBE
After being crowned Queen of the Jungle during the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity, former England footballer Jill Scott was heavily rumoured for the 2023 series of Strictly, but after Jill didn't feature, will 2024 be her year?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Sophie Morgan
Loose Women star and TV presenter Sophie Morgan is rumoured to become the first ever wheelchair user to take part in Strictly. A source said: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes. She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It's still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months."
Phillip Schofield
Rumours have circulated that Phillip Schofield could be taking to the Strictly dancefloor for years, but since his departure from This Morning after 21 years, they've stepped up a notch - with publications reporting that offers have been more "aggressive" this year than for previous series of the show.
Gino D'Acampo
He's loved by the masses, so it's no surprise Strictly bosses are keen to get TV chef Gino D'Acampo on the 2024 series. Gino has been asked to do the show in the past, but he turned the offer down. Will he accept this year?
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux appeared on The Jonathan Ross show last year, where he said: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Now we would pay to see that - sign him up!
Rosie Jones
Comedian and actress Rosie Jones recently admitted watching deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis win the series in 2021 inspired her.
Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV.
"In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me!"
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely confessed a few years ago he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox in 2021, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly in the past. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf revealed last year she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Helen Worth
After announcing in June that she's leaving Coronation Street after an amazing 50 years, betting odds are high that actress Helen Worth could sign up for the show! However, as Helen is currently filming her Corrie exit scenes, it seems the 2025 series could be more practical.
Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley confessed in July last year he'd love to take part in Strictly, admitting he'd love the chance to learn how to dance properly. He'd be a great signing for 2024!
Martin Roberts
Homes Under the Hammer host Martin Roberts is rumoured to be appearing after he told the Daily Mail newspaper at an awards ceremony: "I'm like a Ninja Mutant Hero Turtle - I just eat pizzas. Domino's Mighty Meat. I'm the stomach of Domino's, not the face of it.
"I should worry about what I eat because I had a health scare. I need to look after myself better. And certainly if I get this TV show later in the year. I'll have to get super fit."
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times: "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz
According to reports in early 2024, Strictly bosses were keen to make history on the show by signing up married couple Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz to both appear! The rumours are suggesting David and Victoria Beckham's son Brooklyn will be in direct competition with his wife Nicole. Now this would be a huge signing if bosses can pull it off!
Strictly Come Dancing is due to return in September.
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