The BBC has rolled out new comprehensive duty of care package for Strictly Come Dancing following allegations of workplace “misconduct” involving professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, according to a new report.
In response to the allegations, which led to Pernice’s departure from the show, the broadcaster has reportedly established a set of new protocols to safeguard both celebrities and their dance partners.
According to The Sun, the upcoming series, set to launch in September, will offer participants access to on-call counsellors.
Also all training sessions will be recorded by cameras, and post-show therapy and chaperones will be available. Additionally, celebrities will undergo psychological assessments to ensure they can handle the pressures of being on the show.
The BBC will also introduce new guidelines, including training sessions and webinars, across all its reality shows, overseen by a duty of care executive.
A source told The Sun: “Strictly is the jewel in the crown of their schedule, and upwards of ten million people tune in weekly — that's a lot of pressure for everyone involved.
“The BBC is under enormous pressure to ensure this series goes without a hitch. Cameras will be installed pretty much everywhere and a counsellor will be on call 24/7.”
Kate Phillips, BBC’s director of unscripted shows, told the outlet: “The BBC takes its duty of care incredibly seriously and are always looking at ways to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of contributors.”
The Standard has contacted the BBC for comment.
On Tuesday, former Strictly stars came to Pernice’s defence and said his absence from this year’s line-up, amid allegations about his teaching methods, is “very sad”.
The Italian professional dancer, 33, has been on the BBC One celebrity dancing show since 2015 when he reached the grand final with Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote.
However, the BBC did not announce Pernice as part of its line-up of professionals for 2024 following claims of “abusive or threatening behaviour”, which he has strongly denies. Pernice previously said in a statement that he looks “forward to clearing my name”.
The dancers who will return include Amy Dowden, who missed competing on Strictly last year after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, and 2023 winner Vito Coppola.
Former Strictly professional Kristina Rihanoff, who appeared on the show from 2008 to 2015, said it was “very sad” he will not be part of the line-up.
She shared on Tuesday’s This Morning: “Giovanni has said it himself, he is a perfectionist, he is driven to deliver.
“If there was something said in the wrong way, I suppose we are yet to find out. What to think not very nice to see is months and months and months of stories, and we still yet don’t know the facts.
“When he worked on the show with me, and we danced in some group numbers, he was always a very nice, easy-going guy, who’s there just to do his job,” the pro dancer added.
“It can be a very difficult space when all of us professionals come together and do a dance, there are a lot of strong personalities in the room.
“He was one who was very easy to work with, for me, for what I know of him as a professional dancer – obviously, I wasn’t there with him in the room when he was teaching a celebrity.”
Sicily-born Pernice, who won the show in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, was last paired with Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who withdrew from the competition in 2023 citing “personal reasons”.
A legal firm acting on behalf of complainants said the broadcaster is “evidence gathering” but the BBC has not confirmed any probe has begun. Although MailOnline have reported that the internal investigation is ongoing.
In May, Pernice wrote that “you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week” and the public has seen him “passionate and competitive” on Strictly.
“Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name,” he said.
Pernice added: “No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.”
A statement from law firm Carter-Ruck said: “There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering.
“As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage.”
