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:
Delta Goodrem
2026 is set to be a busy year for singer Delta Goodrem. As well as representing Australia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, reports are rife Delta has very nearly signed up for Strictly later in the year. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "It is all but a done deal. They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show."
Josie Gibson
As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.
A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?
Dani Dyer
Reality star Dani Dyer was set to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days ahead of the first live show after fracturing her ankle in training. Dani has expressed her interest in returning, so could we see her in 2026?
Strictly Come Dancing is due to return in September.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024
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