Strictly's professional dancers 'deeply worried' by lack of psychological assessments for celebrity contestants and fear having a vulnerable partner could lead to complaints - after Giovanni Pernice was accused of misconduct by Amanda Abbington
Strictly's professional dancers are said to be ‘deeply worried’ about the lack of psychological assessments for the show’s celebrity contestants.
The Daily Mail can reveal that Strictly Come Dancing does not carry out comprehensive tests for its stars, unlike rival shows such as ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
BBC bosses are braced for questions from their professional stars who fear having a vulnerable partner could lead to complaints against them, after Giovanni Pernice was accused of misconduct by Amanda Abbington.
Television insiders say that most other reality shows hold stringent evaluations to ensure cast members can cope with the tough regimes they face during their time on the series.
Sources close to some of the Strictly professionals say they are ‘deeply worried’ they could also face accusations from their celebrity partners if they face difficulties in such gruelling environments.
The Daily Mail can reveal that Strictly Come Dancing does not carry out comprehensive tests for its stars, unlike rival shows
Pro Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice (pictured) was accused of misconduct
Actress Amanda Abbington (pictured) accused her dance partner of misconduct
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One said: ‘Unlike most shows, Dancing on Ice included, Strictly doesn’t have these tough tests which seems rather strange given that it takes an awful lot of resilience to take part on the show.
‘Not only are the training regimes very testing, every Saturday night these celebrities who haven’t necessarily danced before find themselves on a ballroom floor dancing live in front of millions of people.
‘It is quite literally like nothing these stars have done before. It is hard, really hard – yet assessments are not put in place.’
The source added that wellbeing counsellors do visit training sessions ‘every now and again’ but stressed that the celebrities have already signed up by then. They added: ‘The pros’ reputations are at huge risk if they end up with someone who can’t cope with the pressure.
‘It does seem quite bizarre that tests are not in place but the outcomes for the pros could be absolutely horrendous as we have seen with Gio.’ Three women, including Sherlock actress Ms Abbington, have accused Pernice, 33, of misconduct and instructed law firm Carter-Ruck to take action against the BBC.
Three women, including Sherlock actress Ms Abbington, have accused Pernice, 33, of misconduct
Television insiders say that most other reality shows hold stringent evaluations to ensure cast members can cope with the tough regimes
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While none of the women have spoken out publicly, Ms Abbington leaked to a newspaper that the Italian dancer left her with a bruised foot during a training session last year.
It is also unclear whether deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who won the show with Pernice in 2021, has made a complaint.
On Wednesday Pernice launched his fightback by hiring rival legal company Schillings.
In a statement, the firm said: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.
‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made the producers have a duty of care. Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his rep against accusations against him.’
The BBC has been contacted for comment.