Strictly star Ian Waite calls for 'ban on Italian dancers' after bullying claims

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Ian Waite has suggested that Italians should be banned from taking part in the hit BBC One dance competition

In the midst of the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing bullying scandal, beloved former Strictly professional, Ian Waite, has controversially suggested banning Italian dancers from the competition.

Giovanni Pernice, 34, left the show in April amid bullying claims from his dance partner, Amanda Abbington, which he has vehemently denied. Meanwhile, fellow Italian Graziano Di Prima, 30, was let go after confessing to kicking his partner, Zara McDermott.

"Well, there's a link. They're both Italian. And, a little bit of advice - don't book Italians anymore," Ian advised on the Stripping Off With Matt Haycox podcast.

"Unless it's all filmed, it's your word against theirs. One of the problems is that, as pro dancers, we weren't given any safeguarding rules or guidance on how we should behave with our celebrity partners. What's offensive or abusive if there are no clear guidelines? We had to figure it out ourselves."

Amid the ongoing bullying accusations, the 53-year-old dancer, who recently won Dancing with the Stars Australia, spoke out on the drama as he said that things can always get intense in rehearsals.

Ian said: "There were times when I fell out with my partner, yes. And there were even times when there were a lot of shouting matches going on, but it was for a good reason."

While both Giovanni and Graziano may have departed the show after controversy with their partners last year, much-loved professional dancer Amy Dowden has finally made her comeback after a two-year break amid her cancer diagnosis.

Welsh dancer Amy, 34, has said returning to 'Strictly feels like a "celebration" after her brave battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed in May 2023, the beloved professional dancer took time out from the show but is now making her comeback and dancing into the hearts of the nation alongside JLS heartthrob JB Gill, 37.

With resilience shining through every step, she recently confessed to Closer magazine: "It's been such a celebration. It's so lush. I feel like I'm home. We've worked so hard over the last few weeks on spectacular group numbers, I'm just so excited for the 20th year to be hitting your screens."

Standing strong after her ordeal, and with support from loved ones including hubby Ben Jones, Amy is not just twirling back onto the dance floor - she's a symbol of hope.

Reflecting on darker days amidst treatment, Amy shared: "It's so surreal. I can't believe the place I was in this time last year to what I am now. There were so many times when I didn't think it was going to be possible. I'm just really proud of myself. I hope it gives others going through treatment hope and courage."

Amy, who has previously danced with celebs such as McFly's Tom Fletcher, 39, and ' EastEnders ' star James Bye, 40, among others, has some advice for this season's Strictly contestants. Despite any critiques from judges Shirley Ballas, 64, Craig Revel-Horwood, 59, Motsi Mabuse, 43, and Anton Du Beke, 58, she urges them to "enjoy every second" of their time on the show.

She said: "You're going to be taken on a ride of a lifetime. It's fabulous, it's fun and it's full of sparkle. Just embrace and enjoy every second of opportunity of a lifetime. And don't take yourself too seriously - just go out there and enjoy it."

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