Television presenter Laura Whitmore has come forward with serious allegations regarding her experience on the popular dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. The former Love Island host, who was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice during the 2016 season, claims she was subjected to “inappropriate behaviour” throughout her time on the show.
Whitmore, who was eliminated as the seventh celebrity in the competition, has stated that she raised concerns about her treatment at the time, particularly as she was dealing with an ankle injury. Her recent comments come in the wake of allegations made by other contestants, including Amanda Abbington, who partnered with Pernice in 2023 and accused him of “threatening or abusive behaviour.”
In an Instagram story posted on Saturday, Whitmore expressed her desire to clarify the situation amidst what she described as “misinformation” circulating in the press. She stated, “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.”
The 39-year-old presenter revealed that she had been asked to speak to the BBC alongside six other individuals, who she did not name, about their experiences of inappropriate behaviour with the same individual. While she did not specify who this individual was, she emphasized that her aim is to highlight a pattern of behaviour that she believes needs to be addressed.
“I initially raised concerns back in 2016,” Whitmore wrote. “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.”
Whitmore clarified that she is not seeking any personal gain from her statements, but rather an acknowledgment that what occurred in the rehearsal rooms during her time on Strictly was wrong. “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,” she stated.
Despite her serious allegations, Whitmore confirmed that she has not made an official complaint. Instead, she is providing evidence of her experience to support the ongoing investigation by the BBC. “I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up,” she added.
The BBC press office has refrained from commenting on Whitmore’s claims, while Giovanni Pernice has also been approached for his response. A spokesperson for the dancer previously stated, “We are co-operating fully with the BBC’s review process.” Pernice has consistently denied any allegations of threatening or abusive behaviour, expressing confidence that the review will vindicate him.
Pernice will not be returning for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, and another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, has also exited the show following allegations regarding his treatment of partner Zara McDermott. Di Prima has expressed deep regret over the events that led to his departure, stating that his intense passion for the competition may have affected his training approach.
In light of these allegations, the BBC has announced plans to implement measures aimed at strengthening welfare and support for participants on the show. This includes the introduction of a chaperone who will be present at all times during training room rehearsals.
The BBC has previously stated that anyone involved in a complaint has the right to confidentiality and a fair process, making it inappropriate to comment further on individual cases. However, they have emphasized that they take any issues raised extremely seriously and have appropriate processes in place to manage them.
Tim Davie, the BBC Director General, has publicly apologized to contestants who have reported negative experiences, expressing disappointment over the allegations of abusive behaviour. He affirmed that the BBC would “never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.”
Whitmore’s allegations are not the first to surface regarding the culture within Strictly Come Dancing. Reports have emerged from former staff members claiming a “toxic” environment, with some alleging they were directed to the Film and TV Charity rather than the whistleblowing service to raise complaints.
In response to these claims, a BBC Studios spokesperson stated, “The welfare of our crews working on each series of Strictly is always of paramount importance to us. We act speedily when any concerns are raised, and we have thorough, effective and longstanding processes to manage them.”
The BBC has reiterated its commitment to updating its processes on Strictly Come Dancing annually and has recently announced additional steps to enhance welfare and support for participants.
Laura Whitmore’s allegations have sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of contestants on reality television shows, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see how the BBC will address these serious allegations and what changes will be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved in the production.
Source: PA Media, BBC
