Strictly's Amy Dowden has become the latest star to distance herself from Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima amid an ongoing investigation into workplace conduct on the show.
The 34-year-old is due to return to the BBC dance competition for its 20th series after missing out on last year’s series as she underwent treatment for stage three breast cancer.
Following a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Dowden joyfully announced in February that she has “no evidence of the disease” following tests.
As she prepares for her comeback, the Welsh star has shared her thoughts on the controversy surrounding the beloved dance show, which has faced multiple allegations of bullying and abusive behavior by professional dancers towards their celebrity partners.
Despite the scandal, Downden expressed confidence in the show's future, dismissing concerns that it could be cancelled, telling The Times: “I don't think so. That's my personal take on it. I don't get caught up in negativity.”
The BBC star also believes this season of Strictly will be “more magical than ever.”
When asked if she was still in touch with Pernice and Di Prima —both of whom have been dropped from the show this year—she curtly responded: “I've been very busy. I don't have time.”
In response to the fallout, the BBC has introduced new welfare policies to protect the show's participants, including the use of chaperones during rehearsals.
In light of the move, Dowden praised the measures, saying, "It's good that they're doing everything they possibly can to ensure everyone's wellbeing."
Reflecting on her own experience, Dowden added: "I've always felt super happy and comfortable at Strictly. Throughout my cancer journey, even when I was at death's door, all I wanted was to get back to my Strictly family. I think that says a lot.”
Strictly first came under fire in January when Abbington accused her Strictly partner Pernice of abuse after she unexpectedly quit the show just five weeks in.
Abbington previously claimed there are 50 hours of video footage – from cameras she alleges were installed after she raised concerns during her first week – which Pernice “doesn’t want anyone to see” but have been reviewed by the BBC.
Pernice vehemently denies the claims.
In July professional dancer Graziano Di Prima left the show after allegations about his treatment of Love Island star Zara McDermott in 2023.
Paralympian Will Bayley also revealed he suffered a serious injury while performing a jump during Strictly rehearsals in 2019, and claimed he was shown “no duty of care”.
Last month the broadcaster announced new measures to “strengthen welfare and support” on the show, including a chaperone who would be present during training room rehearsals “at all times”.
Elsewhere, Dowden opened up about documenting her cancer treatment after seeing the impact on others of her documentary discussing her Crohn’s disease and how it had helped her “accept” her own condition for the “first time ever”.
Dowden was diagnosed after finding a lump in her breast the day before going to the Maldives on her honeymoon with her husband, fellow professional dancer Ben Jones last year.
Her forthcoming hour-long BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me, shows her battle for her health, her future family, and her love for dance following her breast cancer diagnosis last year.
“I never thought I would ever, ever be diagnosed with breast cancer at 32,” she told Radio Times.
“I only came across it because I was checking myself. If I wasn’t, I might not be here right now because I had grade three – the most aggressive type of cancer.
“If it can raise awareness and 10 people start checking themselves from watching this documentary, I could potentially save a life.
“Being in the public eye, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to shy away from it.
“It was scary and daunting and I did have friends and family saying ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ But it gave me a focus as well throughout all of this.”
