A THIRD pro dancer has been identified as a “person of interest” in the probe into Strictly Come Dancing.
Insiders said the name of the male dancer, who is no longer part of the BBC show, had been given to lawyers Carter Ruck.
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A third pro dancer has been identified as a ‘person of interest’ in the Strictly probe, Zara McDermott was spotted out and about in London todayCredit: Splash
Graziano Di Prima was dismissed by the BBC over allegations he kicked his celebrity partner ZaraCredit: Getty
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Giovanni Pernice quit the dance show this year after his partner Amanda Abbington made allegations against himCredit: PA
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Graziano with dance partner Zara on the show last yearCredit: BBC
It comes as the BBC announced new measures to protect stars taking part in this year’s competition following allegations against Italian professionals Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice.
The measures include a production team member in rehearsal rooms at all times and increased welfare support.
Graziano, 30, was dismissed by the BBC over allegations he kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
Giovanni, 33, quit earlier this year after his celeb partner Amanda Abbington claimed her time with him left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
A source said: “A professional’s name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano.
“He is no longer part of the show but he has been named as a person of interest. Conversations are ongoing and there are more people who need to be spoken to.
“A dossier is being compiled which will be handed over to the BBC.
“What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread issue over the conduct of some of the professionals in training.
“And the more people who come forward, the clearer the picture is becoming.”
It came as Zara, 27, yesterday spoke out about her time on Strictly.
Watch Graziano Di Prima gush over Zara McDermott in unearthed interview after he’s AXED for shocking behaviour
In a statement on Instagram, she said it was a “dream come true” being on the show but that her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
Zara said: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up — I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
She added seeing video footage of “particular incidents“ was “distressing”.
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Zara, 27, spoke out about her time on StrictlyCredit: Splash
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The star seen walking in London today with partner Sam ThompsonCredit: Splash
Following the recent probe into Strictly Come Dancing, a third professional dancer has been identified as a “person of interest.” This dancer, who is no longer part of the BBC show, has been named and the information has been passed on to legal representation.
The investigation comes in light of previous allegations against Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice, Italian professionals who were involved in the show. The BBC has since announced new measures to protect stars participating in the competition, including having a production team member present in rehearsal rooms at all times and increased welfare support.
Graziano Di Prima was dismissed by the BBC over allegations that he kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, while Giovanni Pernice voluntarily left the show after his partner Amanda Abbington made claims against him.
A source close to the investigation revealed that the list of professionals under scrutiny is growing, and that there seems to be a larger issue regarding the conduct of some dance professionals during training. As more individuals come forward, a clearer picture is emerging.
Zara McDermott, who was involved in the incidents with Graziano Di Prima, recently opened up about her experience on Strictly Come Dancing. In a statement on Instagram, she expressed her initial fears of speaking out but ultimately found the courage to share her story.
As the investigation unfolds and more information comes to light, it is evident that changes need to be made to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants in the show.
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Source: CNN
