Strictly Come Dancing star reveals who should ‘own up to’ bullying scandal
A former Strictly Come Dancing pro has revealed who is to blame for the intense demands exerted on the dancers as she addressed the bullying scandal.
Oti Mabuse, 34, who was on the BBC show from 2015 until 2021, said there was no pressure created by producers and instead it originated from the professional dancers.
As she was asked about the furore that sparked the departures of Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima she told The Guardian: ‘It’s something that comes from us, and that’s something that we have to own up to.’
Last year, Pernice, 34, exited the BBC show after his partner Amanda Abbington, 51, accused him of ‘inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying’ and claimed she was subjected to a ‘toxic environment’.
Following an investigation, the dancer was cleared of serious allegations regarding his behaviour, while six bullying complaints were upheld.
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Di Prima, 30, also left Strictly after allegations of ‘physical incidents’ during his training with Zara McDermott, 28.
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His rep later admitted Di Prima had kicked former Love Island star McDermott and said in a statement that he ‘apologised at the time’ and knew he had ‘made a mistake’.
However, Di Prima later claimed his foot ‘brushed’ McDermott after he ‘kicked the floor in frustration’ due to the ‘pressure of the show.’
Since leaving Strictly, Pernice has won the Italian version of the dancing competition Ballando con le Stelle with his girlfriend Bianca Guaccero, 43.
Commenting recently about whether he would return to the UK show, he said he doubted an invite from BBC producers but would not rule a comeback out.
Pernice told the Daily Mail: ‘I would love to go back to Strictly because Strictly changed my life. It is a massive show, but I don’t think they’re going to have me back. They’re not.
‘I’m upset as well. It’s been a great, great, great ten years. I achieved everything. But it’s not my choice, it’s not my decision.’
He added: ‘Everybody has moved on. Maybe I might come back in a few years like Alijaz [Škorjanec]. I think this is the path we take. And don’t forget, I’m the reigning Italian champion.’
Meanwhile, Di Prima has kept a lower profile, heading to his home country Italy last summer with his Giada Lini, where he took a £6-an-hour job picking grapes.
He has also previously vowed to ‘return’ to dancing – but no TV other projects have yet been announced.
In November, Di Prima wrote on Instagram: ‘After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing.
‘The future is a whole world of new open windows, ready to welcome new dreams and new challenges, and I’m excited to continue this journey with even more determination and inspiration.’
After quitting Strictly, Oti became a judge on ITV’s Dancing On Ice – although the show’s future is unclear due to declining ratings.
Last year, she finished in fourth place on I’m A Celebrity, with McFly singer Danny Jones, 39, going on to be crowned King of the Jungle.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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