SCD 2024 #2 : First slebs announced, warm up continues - No Spoilers Please (added by MNHQ at request of the OP)

[EineReiseDurchDieZeit]

KEEP DANCING EVERYONE

Hopefully this thread will see some closure to the unpleasantness in the form of findings; as well as the build up to the beginning.

Agreed. I just don't know what to think. I'd hate to think that unfounded rumours are being spread about celebrities (in this case, the professional dancers). Not nice to have your name dragged through the mud if you're innocent of any wrongdoing. But of course, we all know that historically, women people have been subjected to bullying or sexual harassment, and the world at large has turned a blind eye to it. So I would hate to think that any celebrity has been subjected to bullying or harassment and, to add insult to injury, that they're being vilified for speaking out about their treatment and seeking justice and/or compensation.

I agree. There needs to be some sort of official report or some way of drawing a line so the show can move forwards. The constant, seemingly endless, speculation and lack of concrete facts has left me unsure what to believe, and it is really starting to take the shine off the show. My daughter doesn't want to watch with me this year as it has put her off the show completely.

Gio has updated on Insta that he is joining the Italian version from next week. Great news for him!

Great news for the BBC and the viewing public as well, if he concentrates on an Italian career then he won't be sniping from the sidelines for clicks, which was probably inevitable otherwise. It's a win-win-win
as long as he's watching his step with his celeb partners. I'm hoping they give him someone tough as nails.

Does anyone watch Dancing with the Stars or know where it can be watched from the UK?

Oh I’m surprised about Gio I thought he would go on I'm a celebrity.

I'm not surprised at all. He loves dancing. I'm sure he'll go in to be a judge later on in Italy or US. For the person that asked you can watch Ballando con le Stelle on Rai Replay if you use a VPN. Not sure you'd want to though it's about 6 hrs long! There is a Glaswegian judge - she's the "Craig one". I watch it when I'm over there but rarely make it to end of an episode.

I see the suns main headline is Amanda complaining again. Quite frankly I’m fed up of it all now.

do I think she had a bad experience? Yeah. I suspect gio was a hard taskmaster and she wasn’t prepared for it. I also think the unacceptable abuse she had from social media before, during and after the show made it feel ten times worse

But I also think whatever the outcome is she won’t be happy.

I have no idea what I think. I wish the Beeb would release its enquiry already.

I definitely don't have that "autumnal can't wait for strictly feeling" this week, it's sad.

Yeah same I was reserving judgement on it all until results of enquiry but maybe they'll never come out.

They recorded the launch show the other day. There's a story in the press (that comes from the spoilers on social media) that Paul was made to re-record his reaction to being told the song for his first dance because he was less than enthusiastic about it. It's this false and enforced cheeriness I hate. They care more about giving the impression that everyone is having a great time more than actually ensuring that everyone is having a great time or at least is comfortable with what they are asked to go along with (Grange Hill Couple's Choice, anyone?). And it's more interesting for the viewers to see moments of sincerity.

I, too, am less excited than usual about this series. There's the press constantly circling for bad stories, the lack of resolution to the whole Amanda/Giovanni thing, the tacky kids' TV promo, the producers reacting to the stories about Strictly being anti-women by reducing the number of female celebs, and generally every bit of information coming out giving credence to the idea that it's all pretty toxic behind the scenes and some people are in favour and others aren't. Then there's It Takes Two really suffering from amateurish presenters and the cutting of all the segments that made it enjoyable. Hmm, I'll probably enjoy it when it starts.

Meanwhile, thank god Vito can cook.

I feel similarly. They dealt with Zara's abuse very quickly sacking Graz, so assume it wasn't cut & dry with Gio.

Just wish they would conclude as it's very unfair to all involved to have this hanging over their heads for so long!

Yeah agree I reckon the report goes in his favour and they are wondering how to frame it.

I think because of Gio signing up to the Italian series and Amanda in the sun today - both released within a few hours of each other - it must be going in Gio's favour.

That’s what I’m starting to think.

especially the stuff in the sun that says “the producers interviewed Amanda and believed her at her first interview”

well yeah….then they would have spoken to other people and got different perspectives. That’s how an investigation works.

the fact that the graz incident was dealt with SO quickly does rather demonstrate this isn’t a clear cut case. And like anything - the more you think about something that wasn’t right, the more your mind can play tricks on you.

For instance I was badly bullied at an ex employer - my feelings about that employer now (5years on) probably are much worse than they were at the time and what actually happened, because my overthinking can escalate a situation and make my brain think that even the smallest micro interaction was a bad thing.

I feel for Amanda in that I think she was under undue pressure from the start from TRAs on social media. Adding that into the mix with the fact her partner had had a life changing injury. Then not getting along with Gio - if course every single facet of that combined is going to make it worse. Then having to deal with a year of more social media abuse will almost certainly create a PTSD situation. But that doesn’t mean that it’s 100% gios fault.

I definitely also think this now.

Oh I agree Gio lives to dance. It’s just that I thought he would want more exposure in tv in the Uk. Especially if it looks like the findings will be in his favour. Thought he has said in the past he wants to go in the jungle.

I don’t think the fact that the bbc jumped on the Graz situations discredits or minimizes Amanda’s complaint at all. I think it just says the bbc knew they had to improve how they dealt with such things. I also think physical abuse is much easier to prove than emotional abuse so this is another reason why Graz was kicked out sharpish.
I really feel for Amanda. Let’s not forget the other women who came forward after she was brave enough to speak up. Gio is in no way completely innocent of any wrong doing. Bullies frequently get away with it.

As a discourse though, for us fans, I'm tired of the talking in circles I just want an outcome now

I don't think the findings will be in his favour, and that's why he's gone abroad.

There has been a long series of women, his previous dance partners, all saying the same thing.

And yes. Bullies do frequently get away with it.

To be honest though, the findings are almost irrelevant now. The investigation has taken so long and both of them have leaked news that both are now almost irreparably tarnished whatever.

amanda will always be perceived as an alleged trouble maker and Gio will always be seen as a bully. There’s no comeback from either of them for it now.

@EsmaCannonball I agree, this year Strictly just feels different.

Sadly, after watching Strictly from the very first series, I'm out. I just can't motivate myself to watch it this year. I have no interest in any of the contestants, I don't get excited by any of the pros (except Johannes and Nikita at a push) and I'm just sick of the toxic reporting.

ignore/ avoid the tabloid gossip? They have their own agenda. I’m looking forward to Strictly!

This is interesting

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/30322096/amanda-abbington-zero-regrets-bbc-discount-strictly-bullying-claims/

what was the sexual abuse allegations?

“The former Sherlock actress claims she was the victim of physical, mental and sexual abuse at the hands of Giovanni Pernice - claims he firmly denies”