Craig Revel Horwood admits he was ‘gobsmacked’ by the scandal surrounding Strictly Come Dancing. Appearing on BBC Breakfast on 1st August, Craig said the allegations regarding the culture and treatment of contestants were ‘a shock’ and that he was ‘completely gobsmacked by the whole thing.’
He added that ‘the judges are all kept very separate to all the contestants and all the pros’ and that they ‘never really get an opportunity to find out what happens in the rehearsal room’. He also supported the news that the BBC will ensure chaperones are in every rehearsal room going forward.
It's worth noting that Craig Revel Horwood's workshop with Giovanna Pernice's dance company, Ballando, is still set to go ahead with fellow judge Motsi Mabuse in September.
Last week, GLAMOUR contributor Laura Capon shared her thoughts on the Strictly judges' support of Pernice, which you can read below.
On 24th July, in an interview on Channel 4, Amanda Abbington spoke publicly for the first time about her experience with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing.
Watching Krishan Guru Murphy (a fellow contestant on the same series) bashfully and apologetically say he’d indirectly heard of an instance of “Humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature” and hearing Amanda’s voice break as she said, “It’s okay”. I felt angry and as a Strictly fan, ashamed.
Not because I didn’t believe her or because I was one of the thousands of ‘fans’ leaving her hate comments, but because I was continuing to support a show that, in my opinion, is continuing to foster a toxic environment, despite these serious allegations.
Previously, I wrote how Strictly felt like the most inclusive show on TV. How could I stand by and watch this series, without pointing out some uncomfortable home truths, that despite the firings and ongoing investigation, seemingly are allowed to continue.
As anyone who’s ever rated a Paso Doble from their sofa will know, Strictly is currently facing its own #MeToo movement.
Earlier this month, pro dancer Graziano di Prima was fired from the show after it was revealed he physically and verbally abused contestant Zara McDermott.
While Di Prima’s spokesperson apologised for his ‘mistake’, McDermott’s statement alluded to more than one event, at least one of which was captured on camera.
As a Strictly and former Di Prima fan, this came as a huge shock. Especially when all eyes had been on Pernice, since Abbington’s complaint against the dancer became public news in May 2024, after quitting the show in October 2023.
Compared to the swift resolution of Di Prima, the BBC investigation into Pernice’s behaviour, feels like it has dragged on and on. With Pernice continuing to deny the allegations – following Abbington’s interview his spokesperson said there was no evidence to back her claims - all the while rumours of previous contestants coming forward about his behaviour persist.
When asked why she didn’t speak out until after the show, Abbington used a phrase that women are all too familiar with, “I didn’t want to rock the boat”.
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to make a complaint against a man at work, let alone when that man is arguably the most popular male dancer on Saturday night’s biggest TV show. Especially one, where each week, contestants gush over how it feels like “family”.
Imagine though, getting the courage to make that complaint, only to be met with death and rape threats by fans of the show. Fans who have no idea what any of the people they are defending, are actually like. Not only that, but imagine coming forward to expose your alleged abuser and the very people in supposed power, continue to support him during the investigation.
What made me so angry watching Abbington, was knowing that all four of Strictly’s judges have continued to publicly support Pernice. Whether that’s Shirley Ballas calling him, “An absolute gentleman” in an interview on Lorraine, Anton Du Beke appearing on tour with him, or all four of them hosting classes with Pernice’s dance school.
That’s right, Pernice has a dance company called Ballando and for £100 a ticket, you can go to his upcoming workshops with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabusi and Pernice himself. Although Craig Revel Horwood has addressed the allegations as of 1st August, his upcoming workshop is still set to go ahead.
Plus, back in June, Pernice hosted the same ‘Ballando with the judges’ workshops, except with Du Beke and Ballas.
Before anyone tries to hit me with the ‘Snowflake’ or ‘Cancel Culture’ argument, please consider the ethics of investigating someone’s behaviour in the workplace, when members of that workplace appear to be being paid by the accused for work outside of their job.
In their private life the judges can support Giovanni all they want. After all, they were in a position of power over him, so I have no doubt their experiences were anything but positive. But, in my opinion, there is no way they can do that publicly during this investigation, without causing not only bias, but preventing other contestants who may have suffered abuse, coming forward.
To be clear, I’m not in any way saying that the judges had any involvement in these complaints. In an interview for BBC Radio Wales, Revel Horwood said, “The judges are never present at any of the teaching”. He also added, “We’re kept very, very separate to the rest of the company, so for us it’s complete news”.
Whilst the judges may not be involved behind the scenes, to the viewers, they have all the power. Not to mention the celebrities, whose progress in the competition is as reliant on those paddle boards as it is the public vote.
In her statement, McDermott said she didn’t complain as she was “scared” about “public backlash” and her “future”. I hate to say that her worries are valid, but when we’ve all been witness to Abbington’s ordeal, you can’t fully disagree.
It’s one thing the judges supporting Pernice privately. After all, no one can control that, but, if they want to remain on the show and the BBC really want to thoroughly investigate allegations of Strictly being a toxic workplace, I don’t see how there is any way they can or should be allowed to continue to work with Pernice outside the show or support him in public forums, at this moment in time.
Remember, Di Prima’s abuse was only discovered because it was recorded and raised by someone else. McDermott herself didn’t raise the complaint. If you want to foster an environment where people feel safe to speak up, everyone needs to be on board. Not to mention it’s also unfair on the other pro dancers, who make Strictly the show that we all love so much.
The pressure on them must be huge right now and they’re being harassed by paparazzi on their way in and out of rehearsals. Why are we putting their behaviour under a microscope and not the judges?
Craig, Shirley, Anton and Motsi, may very well have a backseat in the goings on behind the scenes, but to us and the contestants, they are the ones with the power.
None of the judges nor the BBC have responded to GLAMOUR's request for comment. This article will be kept updated.
