Strictly bosses ‘demand all professional dancers to undergo anti-bullying training’ ahead of this year’s show following misconduct scandal

Strictly bosses have ‘required all professional dancers to undergo anti-bullying training’ ahead of this year’s show as part of an investigation into misconduct.

According to BBC insiders, a new clause has now been added to the contracts of the professional casts, stating that they must complete training if they want to continue with the ballroom show.

Insiders also said bosses are taking the new rules “very seriously.”

The BBC is to strengthen its duty of care towards candidates after three celebrities complained to lawyers about alleged misconduct while on the programme.

The findings of the investigation into the conduct of former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who denies any wrongdoing, are expected to be made public soon.

BBC insiders say a new clause has now been added to the professional cast’s contracts, stating they must complete training if they want to continue with the ballroom show.

Giovanni, 33, quit the show in May amid allegations of misconduct, while Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show after it emerged he had been physically and verbally abusive to his former partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.

Following his departure, BBC bosses announced they would deploy attendants in the training room and hire welfare staff to support the stars and provide ‘further training’ to the cast and crew.

A BBC insider told The Mirror: ‘By making this training mandatory, the BBC is sending a crystal clear message to everyone involved with the show: this behaviour will not be tolerated.

‘The recent allegations and complaints have shocked Strictly, but they are determined not to let the case derail.’

“They’re going to do everything they can to prevent misconduct in the future. They’re taking these new rules very seriously and anyone who doesn’t follow them will be gone in the blink of an eye.”

News of the new clause comes after Giovanni’s former dance partner Amanda Abbington, 50, said she suffered from ‘mild PTSD’ following her appearance on the show.

Amanda, who has since publicly condemned the dancer’s “dirty” behavior, subsequently retained Carter Ruck’s attorneys to discuss her claims, joined by several other plaintiffs.

Giovanni appointed law firm Schillings to defend him, while the BBC launched an internal investigation, with a team of ex-agents tasked with gathering evidence.

BBC to step up duty of care for candidates after three celebrities complained to lawyers about alleged misconduct (Strictly in 2023)

The findings of an investigation into the conduct of former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice (seen) – who denies any wrongdoing – are expected to be made public soon

Giovanni, 33, left the show in May amid allegations of misconduct, while Graziano Di Prima, 30, was ousted from the show after it emerged he had abused Zara (pictured)

Laura Whitmore, who was linked to Giovanni in 2016, revealed earlier this month that she and six others had spoken to the BBC about Amanda’s complaint against the dancer.

In a statement, Laura, 39, said she felt compelled to come forward because of the “victim shaming” the Sherlock actress faced.

A second source added that the BBC “has not ruled out” making further changes to its duty of care policy.

MailOnline has contacted Strictly’s representative for comment.

This comes after BBC director general Tim Davie, 57, apologised to Strictly celebrities whose experiences of the show were not “entirely positive”, in response to the bullying scandal that has plagued the show.

Presenting the BBC’s annual report, Mr Davie said the show would inevitably involve “competition, hard work and a desire to do well”, but added that “the line must never be crossed”.

He said he was looking forward to the new series, as there is uncertainty over the future of the show, with five professional dancers reportedly at risk of being fired following recent allegations of misconduct.