STRICTLY DEFIANT
Strictly Come Dancing shares first snap of 2024 professionals as under-fire show sends message to fans amid scandal
It comes hours after Janette Manrara broke her silence on claims by a former celeb partner
STRICTLY Come Dancing has shared its first picture of this year's pros amid the ongoing scandal that has rocked the show.
The 2024 expert dancers gathered together for a group photograph as rehearsals got underway and it has now been shared online.
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Posted on the official Strictly Come Dancing Instagram account, the caption read: "Day one of #Strictly 2024 rehearsals done! We can’t wait to share our new pro routines with everyone soon."
Fans favourites posing for the snap include pro dancers Gorka Marquez, Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones and Johannes Radebe.
Amy Dowden, who is returning to the show following her treatment for breast cancer, is also among those pictured.
It comes hours after several of the professional dancers were snapped smiling as they arrived at rehearsals in the morning in London.
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The new photograph sends a clear message to fans that the show will go on despite being marred with accusations of misconduct.
Strictly is currently carrying out an official investigation after a string of complaints were made from former celebrity contestants.
Despite this, the BBC show is still on course to return for its 20th anniversary year.
Making a comeback is professional dancer Aljaz Škorjanec, whose wife Janette Manrara is the latest star to find herself in the headlines.
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Former Strictly pro Janette, 40, has today broken her silence on claims by her former celeb partner Will Bayley.
The mum of one spoke out after The Sun told how she is alleged to have branded one of the sports ace's jump's as "rubbish" before asking him to repeat the feat.
Strictly's Amanda Abbington breaks silence about 'cruel & abusive' Giovanni Pernice as BBC boss calls his conduct 'shocking'
Paralympian Will, 36, said he was encouraged to leap from a table despite his concerns.
He was hurt during a studio rehearsal with Janette watching from the sidelines as he went through the routine with fellow pro Nancy Xu.
His comments are now part of Strictly's official investigation.
Janette's spokesperson said: "[Janette's] celebrity partner’s safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly.
"Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will."
Giovanni Pernice, 33, is notably absent from the professionals group shot after he quit the BBC show earlier this year.
He is currently under investigation by the BBC over allegations of misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
Actress Amanda Abbington has this week told The Sun of what she deemed to be her "cruel and abusive" partner Giovanni.
She previously complained to the BBC that she endured five weeks of inappropriate behaviour on the last series, before pulling out and being diagnosed with PTSD.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, Amanda, 50, said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
Rumoured Strictly 2024 line-up so far...
Chris McCausland - Comedian, 47
GK Barry - YouTube star, 24
Dave Fishwick - Businessman and TV star, 53
Martin Roberts - TV presenter, 60
Danny Cipriani - Rugby ace, 36
Roman Kemp - TV and radio presenter, 31
Hannah Waddingham - Actress, 49
Helen Worth - Actress, 73
“I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.
"I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed.
“Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job."
Giovanni has denied all the claims.
The same investigation has also seen Giovanni's fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of "physical incidents" towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27.
Graziano was initially announced as one of this year's professional dancers before the BBC did a U-turn.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Meanwhile, former Strictly pro Ola Jordan has now been accused of bullying Steve Backshall back in 2014.
Insiders fear the hugely popular family entertainment is "fatally tarnished".
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