Strictly 2024 hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have reportedly made a ‘pact’ over the BBC show.
Recent reports claimed that the pair could open the 2024 series with an apology amid the alleged misconduct scandal.
Over the past week, many allegations have come out against the show following the exit of Italian pro Graziano Di Prima. Graziano, 30, has been accused of hitting, kicking and spitting at his 2023 celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
It comes just months after allegations emerged against fellow pro Giovanni Pernice. He previously denied “any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”. He won’t return for the 2024 series.
With the series just weeks away, a new report claims of measures considered to address the scandal. In addition, a source claims that Tess and Claudia feel worried about the future of the show.
Strictly 2024 latest
According to the MailOnline, BBC bosses reportedly want to draw “an immediate line” under the scandal when the new series begins.
The report claims that hosts Tess and Claudia might be asked to issue an apology at the start of the first show over the alleged treatment of some of its past celebs.
The BBC will want to draw an immediate line under what has happened.
A source claimed: “This year’s Strictly is the 20th anniversary and it will be a celebration of the show and its history. The BBC will want to draw an immediate line under what has happened. The show can’t start soon enough.”
Speaking about whether Tess and Claudia would address Giovanni and Graziano‘s departures, the insider added: “The BBC won’t want to go there.”
ED! has contacted reps for the BBC for comment.
Claudia and Tess’ Strictly ‘pact’
Meanwhile, according to a new report in OK!, Claudia and Tess have had “panic talks”.
The insider claimed: “Tess and Claudia have been having panic talks and are terrified about what’s going to happen next and are worried that they may be dragged into it. They love Strictly because it’s such a family-friendly show and that is being ruined and they don’t want their reputation ruined as well.
“Tess and Claudia have made a pact that if one of them leaves, then the other will go as well. Neither wants to do the show without the other and they know they are going to be leaning on each other a lot once this series starts as there will be so much scrutiny.”
ED! has contacted reps for Tess and Claudia for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing allegations
Graziano recently issued a statement after misconduct allegations against him emerged. He said via his Instagram: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He added: “When the time is right I will share my story.”
Meanwhile, his spokesperson confirmed that Graziano did kick Zara during rehearsals – something he “apologised at the time” for.
Zara McDermott statement
Zara shared a statement last week, saying she has “wrestled with the fear of opening up” about the allegations.
Elsewhere, reports claim that a female Strictly pro dancer has been accused of ‘screaming’ in her male pro partner’s face “in a rage”. A BBC spokesperson said: “As we have said previously we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly and we have appropriate procedures and processes in place to manage this.”
In addition, this week, a report claims that Strictly could axe up to five of its “veteran” pros in a big shake-up.
A source reportedly told The Sun: “There isn’t much they can do to change the line-up for this year’s crisis-hit show. But the feeling is that Strictly needs to make a fresh start in 2025.”
An investigation is currently taking place into the show’s rehearsals. It came after allegations were made against Giovanni. His 2023 partner Amanda Abbington recently branded him “abusive” and “cruel”.
The BBC recently introduced measures to “strengthen welfare and support” for the new series.
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