Strictly probes THIRD professional dancer after star’s name given to lawyers as crisis deepens on hit show
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.
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.
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”.