Amanda Abbington and Strictly.

More like the women partnered to him by the BBC should sue the BBC for pairing them with someone who doesn't know how to behave.

And for not sacking him once his behaviour became know.

I dont know what's worse. Thinking only the BBC could behave as badly and irresponisbly as this. Or thinking this probably happens in most tv and film production companies.

Sacked Strictly dancer Graziano Di Prima to SUE the BBC: Star says broadcaster failed to 'support and help' him with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of Zara McDermott | Daily Mail Online

Graziano is allegedly going to sue the BBC because they didn't support him with his (abusive) behaviour. You couldn't make it up.

It’s possible that Graziano’s case has been under investigation for several months, but we only know about it now that it has been resolved, with his sacking.

Im so sorry, Mark...

I think there is video evidence of Graziano assaulting Zara. The articles I have seen reference hitting, kicking and spitting, although it’s not clear which of these is on camera.

That comes across as rather rude.

What about my post do you particularly disagree with and maybe we could discuss it?

Why dont you read the piece first and then you'd be a bit better informed.

Hamza 😍😍😍

How typically male - "His camp has claimed it was he who asked for practices to be filmed after becoming concerned about her “unstable behaviour”."

I wonder why they have procrastinated with Giovanni but Graziano was straight out of the door. Damage limitation?

The joy of previous series was when a non dancer discovered that they could dance. People like Mark Ramperkash (?) and the rugby player (?) that danced with Oti.

The young cameraman wildlife presenter.

There's no joy in seeing someone who has danced for a living learning and perfecting a new style of dance.

There's always going to be grey area, with stage school kids and pop singers who hip pop to music.

But essentially the joy is in the newsreader, the shy person, the cerebral person, learning to express emotion through dance.

Haven't read the piece yet, but I think this issue has a definite relationship to the hype within the show that we always complain about on the Strictly threads on here – mark inflation, constantly going on about 'when will we see the first 10', 'the standard is higher than ever', and of course having people on like Layton and previous years' pro or almost-pro dancers.
I can well imagine that, if you're a pro and you have someone who's not an out-and-out duffer (in which case you'll court the comedy/sympathy votes instead), you'll feel under immense pressure to get them to be good enough.

To be clear, I'm NOT trying to excuse any individuals' behaviour; and I'm very aware that it's all male pros who've been named, and very few of them at that, and none of the women. But I do think the vibe of Strictly has become less and less about 'having a go' and getting points for trying, and more and more about setting high standards for itself/its contestants and trying to raise them year on year, to the detriment of viewer enjoyment (IMO) and of course to the detriment of those celebs who end up on the wrong end of their pros' ambitions and/or 'old-fashioned' teaching styles.

I think the production team needs to take a long hard look at the show and how they present and hype it.

I felt so sorry for Amanda when I read that article. She's already been through a lot, with her divorce, and then her new partner having life-changing injuries. She must have thought that going on Strictly would be enjoyable and also give her career a boost, and instead she was treated really badly. It's awful, if not surprising, that she's received such horrific abuse from Giovanni fans.

The BBC seems very much at fault to me. They must have known what Giovanni is like, because previous celebs matched with him had been unhappy too. It's incredible that they don't apparently keep tabs on how the professional dancers are treating their partners in training. I think it's awful that when she raised her concerns with them they seem to have just dismissed her outright instead of investigating.

Very sad and very disappointing.

Essentially the same dynamic at the BBC for 50 years or more. Every single scandal, and there have been so many, they've brushed under the rug or tried to suppress.
Ditto NHS Post Office etc.
One of my greatest hopes under Labour, is that management are held to account.

And about the producers and staff who must have known about it, and either actively encouraged it or turned a blind way.

Why ever any of the (male) professionals behave like this, the BBC employees are responsible because they chose them take of the role of teaching a celebrity.

They should have made it clear to them, its a family show, its entertainment, its not about your ego and male competitiveness. Behave, and if you cant we will make sure that at all times you have guardian as they need to do for children in the acting profession.

Given all the other messes the BBC has had because of lack of professional care, and their sycophantic attitude to tv stars, you would think they would have worked out a better way of safeguarding members of the public.

It tells of a worrying possible story about a toxic atmosphere where the pros were under such pressure and so terrified to lose their jobs, they turned to whatever desperate tactics they had to. And about the producers and staff who must have known about it, and either actively encouraged it or turned a blind way.

Sharetoken for the Times article:

https://www.thetimes.com/article/320cb25d-1638-453d-a740-32059ff3d2a9?shareToken=70627ac76b7d9d144219cc9e1813c427

I am so disappointed in Graziano. He was always so bright and smiley. Yes, of course they want to win, but at what cost?

I'd love to read the Sunday Times piece.

https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/celebrity/article/amanda-abbington-interview-strictly-giovanni-pernice-wq5bsgd00

Not sure about reactivating this but ...

Amanda Abbington sheds light on ‘horrible’ Strictly experience: ‘It’s been really brutal’
Amanda Abbington sheds light on ‘horrible’ Strictly experience: ‘It’s been really brutal’ (yahoo.com)

And

Graziano Di Prima 'was sacked from Strictly after alleged altercation with partner Zara McDermott'
"I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime."
Graziano Di Prima 'sacked from Strictly' after alleged altercation | Evening Standard

Its just really sad to think that a tv show that is hugely popular is or was built on competitive men being bullies or worse.

I agree re Shirley @WiImaDickshow

I couldn't tell either. Cynics will say papps tipped off, that she's acting etc but she doesn't look that happy/does look a bit teary. Or just pissed off she cannot even have lunch in peace now? They're all side-eyeing/glancing across a lot.

Shirley's allowed to say what her experience is, same as Debbie. It doesn't mean that Gio wasn't a gent to her and a wanker to others. Both can be true.
But as someone who does know him and hasn't seen the footage yet - like anyone else - Shirley is allowed to point out his drive/determination/creativity. She's been in the business a long time and been subject to bullying herself. I admire her for reserving judgement until evidence is in the open. It shows loyalty rather than self-preservation/being on the fence.

It could well be what others have said - that Gio's teaching style is authoritarian as opposed to being adapted for different partners - but that some understood it was a means to an end not personal. That doesn't help the poor celeb who thought it would be more fun. I think the BBC should have released the footage ages ago.

Is Amanda Abbungton crying in those pictures outside the Groucho? Or is she just hugging a friend? I genuinely can't tell and I'm always suspicious of tabloids. Shirley Ballas' comments must have stung.

I'd say that definitely is bullying as he's singling one person out for humiliation.

Thanks for responses. I got interrupted and didn't quite finish what I was trying to say.

I dont know why he has picked on her as it seems, although not meant to be, all those learning are female.

But I think he can spot she isn't that confident and rarely speaks up in public.

But has formed a few supporters from her muttered responses she whispers!

But suspect there are many situations where for some reason a man is in charge (well this is normal of course) and choses to use it to be a tormentor in a cowardly way because they know their position allows them to do it.

But going back to the more professional situation, there is of course the competitive aspect. Rivalry.

And not saying women cant be competitive, but some men can be a bit over the top about it. And when you are part of television programme watched by huge number of people, I suspect some lose perspective. ie cant see it for what it is intended to be, enjoyable family entertainment, where celebrities are willing to put themselves forward to fail, make a fool of themselves, etc., etc..

It is absolutely bullying, I agree.