Debbie McGee has revealed she has been asked to give evidence in a BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing.
Dancer Giovanni Pernice was suspended while a probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda Abbington and two other former celebrity dance partners. Giovanni has vehemently denied the allegations.
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.
Debbie, who was partnered with Giovanni on the 2017 series, appeared on GB News on Thursday where she confirmed she had been asked to take part in the probe.
She said:’I don’t know if I’m allowed to say or not, but yes, I have [been asked to take part in the investigation].
Debbie McGee has revealed she has been asked to give evidence in a BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing
Debbie, who was partnered with Giovanni Pernice on the 2017 series, appeared on GB News on Thursday where she confirmed she had been asked to take part in the probe
‘So I you know, it’s all very secret, and I’m sure everybody else who’s ever danced with him and people that have worked alongside him would have been asked to give evidence to so I just hope it all turns out well for all parties.’
The TV star also spoke about her time on Strictly, saying she had an ‘amazing time’ and thinks the new series will be just as good despite the scandal.
She said: ‘I think it will be as wonderful as it’s always been. It’s an uplifting show, isn’t it? It’s got the glamour, everything. There’s nothing to make you sad in it.
‘I had the most amazing time. Giovanni was my partner, and it’s still a life changing experience. And at that time in my life as well, it was a year after Paul, my late husband, had died.
‘It was a tough, tough time, and it just totally brought me out of all my grief. And everyone on the programme is just so lovely, and it’s like a big family.
‘And my experience of Giovanni, I know other people have said they’ve had a different experience, but mine was he really looked after me in my grief, and we had a great time. Great memories.
‘I’m sure that they will do [the investigation] very thoroughly, and the fact that it’s taking quite a long time, is that they’re really going into it to make sure they make the right decision at the end of it.
‘And I think lots of people will be invited to give their experience of Strictly, so I just hope at the end of the day I don’t want anyone to be bullied, I’m really against all of that, but we are all different.
She said:’I don’t know if I’m allowed to say or not, but yes, I have [been asked to take part in the investigation]’
The TV star also spoke about her time on Strictly, saying she had an ‘amazing time’ and thinks the new series will be just as good despite the scandal
‘People can react differently to different circumstances, or you just don’t have a chemistry with somebody that somebody else might have a chemistry.
‘So I don’t know what went on, but I’m sure that they will go into it in a lot of depth before making any decisions.’
The investigation that began with accusations against Giovanni has since widened after more complaints surrounding the hit show.
It has heaped further turmoil on Strictly, which is deemed to be the jewel in the Corporation’s crown and is still watched by more than ten million people.
Sources have told the Mail that the accusations have prompted bosses to extend the inquiry to look at other matters, and individuals, involved with the dance series as they prepare for its 20th anniversary.
It means that Giovanni, who has already let his frustrations at the investigation be known, has faced an even longer wait for an outcome after three former dance partners, including Amanda, instructed lawyers to make ‘serious complaints’ about his conduct.
It also threatens to damage Strictly, the BBC’s biggest Saturday night success story since The Generation Game.
A television source has previously told the Mail: ‘This investigation is no longer just solely about Giovanni but other, more wider issues. The show has been going for 20 years and the whole veneer of Strictly is so sparkly and lovely, of course there will always be people who feel hard done by.
Giovanni Pernice was suspended while a probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda Abbington
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott
‘Amanda’s complaints have started something massive, it has opened the door for others to come forward about things they haven’t been happy with.
‘It is all a big headache for the BBC, it is about to celebrate a massive milestone with its 20th anniversary.
‘Having the Giovanni complaint has been a big enough issue, but now it looks like there is more to be scrutinised and looked into.’
Sources close to Giovanni say that he fully expects to be exonerated.
Insiders say also that the widened inquiry will now present the Sicilian star as possibly being a ‘small fish’ in Strictly’s potential downfall.
He quit the show following claims by Amanda, star of Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, that he bullied her in training, claims which he denies.
In May it was revealed that she had instructed London law firm Carter Ruck to represent her against the BBC.
A source told the publication: ‘The BBC is under huge pressure to get this probe done and dusted before September 14 when the new series kicks off’
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.
Confirming his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: ‘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.
‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.
‘There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.’