Who is out of strictly

Overview

Strictly Come Dancing, the popular BBC reality dance competition, has seen several professional dancers and celebrities exit the show over the years due to various reasons, including personal decisions, controversies, and scheduling conflicts. As of mid-2023, one of the most high-profile departures was that of professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.

His exit followed a formal investigation by the BBC into viewer complaints about his conduct during the 2022 season, particularly concerning his partnership with actress Amanda Abbington. The controversy sparked widespread media coverage and public debate about professionalism and treatment of celebrities on reality TV.

• Giovanni Pernice was removed from Strictly in June 2023 after an independent review into his behavior during the 2022 series.
• Amanda Abbington, known for her role in Line of Duty, was his celebrity partner and later spoke publicly about their tense relationship.
• The BBC received over 23,000 complaints during the 2022 series, many citing Pernice’s on-screen demeanor as a concern.
• Strictly Come Dancing launched in 2004 and has aired 20 seasons as of 2023, becoming a cultural staple in the UK.
• The 2022 finale drew 12.3 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched programs of the year.

How It Works

Strictly Come Dancing operates on a weekly elimination format where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin routines. Each week, judges score performances and viewers vote, leading to one couple's elimination based on combined totals.

• Professional Partners: Each celebrity is paired with a pro dancer who trains them weekly. The pros are expected to maintain a supportive, encouraging demeanor. Giovanni Pernice’s conduct was seen as violating this standard.
• Judging Panel: Consists of four judges who score each dance from 1 to 10. Their scores contribute 50% to the final outcome, with public votes making up the other 50%.
• Public Voting: Viewers can vote via phone, app, or online. The couple with the lowest combined score is typically eliminated each week, barring special formats.
• Investigations: The BBC conducts internal reviews if sufficient complaints are filed. In Pernice’s case, an independent panel reviewed footage and testimonies before recommending action.
• Code of Conduct: All participants must adhere to the BBC’s ethical guidelines, which include professionalism, respect, and appropriate on-set behavior.
• Series Timeline: Filming begins in August, with live shows running from September to December. The 2023 series started without Pernice, marking his first absence since 2015.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Giovanni Pernice’s tenure compares to other notable professional dancers on Strictly:

This table highlights how exits from Strictly vary—from voluntary retirements to controversial departures. Pernice’s case stands out due to the formal investigation and high volume of public complaints, unlike others who left for personal or professional opportunities.

Why It Matters

The departure of Giovanni Pernice from Strictly Come Dancing underscores growing scrutiny over workplace conduct in reality television. It reflects a broader cultural shift toward accountability and mental well-being for participants, especially celebrities facing public pressure.

• Viewer influence is stronger than ever—over 23,000 complaints directly led to an official BBC investigation into Pernice’s behavior.
• Professional standards on reality shows are being reevaluated, with networks enforcing stricter codes of conduct for on-set interactions.
• Mental health awareness has increased, with former contestants like Abbington speaking out about stress and emotional strain during filming.
• Public trust in the BBC’s ability to manage talent fairly has been tested, prompting calls for more transparent disciplinary processes.
• Impact on future casting may lead to more cautious selection of professional dancers, prioritizing temperament alongside skill.
• Cultural conversation around respect and professionalism in entertainment has been amplified by this incident, influencing other reality shows.

As Strictly continues into its third decade, the Pernice case serves as a pivotal moment in balancing competitive intensity with ethical responsibility.