Dame Arlene Phillips, 81, wades into Strictly bullying row on Good Morning Britain – swiping ‘the pressure on the professionals is on another level now’

By William On Aug 12, 2024

Dame Arlene Phillips admitted the pressure on Strictly’s professional dancers is “on another level” as she weighed in on the bullying row on GMB on Monday.

The 81-year-old choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge commented on the scandal during an interview on the morning show.

This follows new claims that Amanda Abbington has handed over more texts containing new revelations about Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour during rehearsals.

Kate recalled rehearsals when she appeared on the show in 2007. She said the idea of “accompaniments” didn’t make sense to her because there was always someone in the room when she was performing.

The BBC is reportedly considering hiring escorts for its stars after professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni were both accused of misconduct.

Dame Arlene Phillips, 81, admitted the pressure on Strictly’s professional dancers is ‘on a different level now’ as she weighed in on the bullying row on GMB on Monday

The choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge commented on the scandal during an interview on the morning show

Kate said: ‘As far as I can remember, there was always someone present during rehearsals. So the idea of an accompanist doesn’t seem logical to me, because there was always someone present.’

Dame Arlene, who was a judge on the show from 2004 to 2008, then commented on the pressure and expectations professional dancers face compared to 20 years ago, adding that ‘the stakes are much higher now’.

She said, “Expectations weren’t that high [as compared to years ago]The actual process was hard and heavy, dancing is hard, we go through a lot with our bodies.

“But it’s huge now. People and even professionals are catapulting to fame. So the pressure for the professionals now is their own personal fame.

“They all have their own shows now. That never happened. The stakes weren’t that high, now the pressure is on another level.”

Amanda’s dramatic intervention on Sunday threw the BBC’s investigation into the conduct of professional Giovanni into chaos and “changed the course of the inquiry”, according to new claims.

According to The Sun, Amanda came forward with new shocking messages just before the investigation was completed, which allegedly showed that Giovanni had ‘crossed the line of what was acceptable’.

Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, has made a series of allegations about Giovanni’s teaching methods, describing his behaviour as ‘unnecessary, insulting, cruel and vile’. He has strongly denied all the claims.

It follows new claims that Amanda Abbington has reportedly handed over more texts containing new revelations about Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour during rehearsals

While Kate recalled her memories of rehearsals when she appeared on the show in 2007, she said the idea of ’accompaniments’ made no sense to her as there was always someone in the room during her performance

Dame Arlene, who judged the show from 2004 to 2008, then commented on the pressures and expectations professional dancers face compared to 20 years ago, adding that ‘the stakes are much higher now’

She said, “Expectations weren’t that high [as compared to years ago]. The actual process was hard and heavy, dancing is hard, we go through a lot with our body.

“But it’s huge now. People and even professionals are catapulting to fame. So the pressure for the professionals now is their own personal fame. They all have their own shows now. That’s never happened before. The stakes weren’t that high, now the pressure is on another level,” she added.

In an interview, Amanda compared the dance show to “the trenches” and told Channel 4 News that BBC producers were “appalled” by clips that allegedly included “degrading sexual behaviour”.

A source told the newspaper about the new revelations: ‘The investigation is expected to conclude this week, but Amanda’s new revelations have complicated the investigation.

‘It changed the course of the investigation. It looked like Giovanni would be acquitted, but this new information changed everything again.

‘It appears that Giovanni has indeed overstepped the mark of what is acceptable for a BBC representative, but further consultation is needed.

‘Every time they seem to come to a conclusion, something else is added that takes the investigation in a new direction.’

Amanda has made a series of allegations about Giovanni’s teaching methods, describing his behaviour as ‘unnecessary, insulting, cruel and mean’. He has vehemently denied all the allegations.

STRICT LINE-UP 2024

Chris McCausland

Age: 46

Occupation: Comedian

Chris says, “If there’s anyone out there who’s thinking, ‘How on earth is he going to do that?’ – I’m sure I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”

Doctor Punam Krishan

Age: Unknown

Occupation: general practitioner and announcer

Punam says: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that this is the 20th year. I can’t believe I’m the one getting Strictly-fied.’

Toyah Willcox

Age: 66

Occupation: Singer, actor, presenter

Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and loving this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan, the glitter. It’s a milestone year for me, I came in as a pensioner, Glasto and now I’m getting spray tans.’