Former Strictly pro Ian Waite controversially urges BBC bosses ‘don’t hire Italians’ for the show after Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice bullying scandal

By William On Sep 18, 2024

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By Olivia Kemp for Ny Breaking

Published: 13:39 EDT, September 18, 2024 | Updated: 13:39 EDT, September 18, 2024

Since Strictly began 20 years ago, Italian dancers have become a regular feature of the Saturday night show.

But amid the ongoing bullying, much-loved former Strictly pro Ian Waite has made a controversial request to ban the nationality from the competition.

Giovanni Pernice, 34, left the show in April after allegations of bullying by his dance partner Amanda Abbington. He denies all allegations.

Meanwhile, his 30-year-old compatriot Graziano Di Prima was sacked after admitting kicking his partner, Zara McDermott.

“Well, there is a link. They’re both Italian. And a little advice: don’t book Italians anymore,” Ian said on the Stripping with Matt Haycox podcast.

Former Strictly pro Ian Waite has made a controversial request to ban nationality from the competition

Giovanni Pernice, 34, left the show in April after allegations of bullying. Meanwhile, his Italian colleague Graziano Di Prima, 30, was fired

He said: ‘One of the problems is that as professional dancers we were not given any safety precautions or guidelines on how to behave with our celebrity partners.

What is offensive or insulting if there are no clear guidelines?

“We had to figure it out for ourselves.”

Amid continued allegations of bullying, the 53-year-old dancer, who recently won Dancing with the Stars Australia, is speaking out.

He said: ‘There were times when I had arguments with my partner, yes. And there were even times when there was a lot of shouting, but that was for a good reason.

“Unless it’s all filmed, it’s your word against theirs.”

Artists like Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace were greatly appreciated by their fans for their exciting performances and undeniable charm.

Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show last October after claiming her partner Giovanni abused her

The show was hit by a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano was fired in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott

People like Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace were hugely adored by their fans for their electrifying performances and undeniable charm

The show returned on Saturday to much fanfare, but ratings were not as high as those of the previous series.

As Strictly’s 20th anniversary series continues to be mired in controversy, the BBC carefully avoided the issue during its launch show on Saturday.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden, who is now cancer-free, looked a picture in a dazzling fuchsia ball gown as she spun around showing off her incredible moves to her fellow dancers as part of her triumphant comeback.

The Strictly class of 2024 includes stars including EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.

Other contestants include X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.

Comedian Chris McCausland – who made history as the show’s first blind contestant – has become a firm fan favourite thanks to his mischievous sense of humour.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 21 September on BBC1.