Claudia and Tess 'terrified' of being tarnished by scandal
New UK|August 05, 2024
As stories of mistreatment circulate in the run-up to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, a source tells new how Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have made a pact to both quit as co-hosts if one of them decides to leave
Kenzi Devine
Claudia and Tess 'terrified' of being tarnished by scandal

Strictly Come Dancing is preparing to return to BBC One after being plagued by misconduct allegations, with professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice both axed from this year’s line-up.

As training gets underway for the series, a source told new that co-presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaning on each other as they hope to make things work on the scandal-stricken show.

“Tess and Claudia have been having panic talks and are terrified about what’s going to happen next – and are worried that they may be dragged into it,” claimed the source. “They love Strictly because it’s such a family-friendly show and that’s being ruined. They don’t want their reputation ruined as well.”

Despite usually hitting the headlines for impressive dance routines and steamy, heartwarming or unlikely partnerships, the dance show has suffered several recent blows. Just a few weeks ago, allegations of gross misconduct by Graziano, 30, towards Zara McDermott, his celebrity partner from last series, came to light with the professional dancer having since admitted to kicking Zara during training.

The scandal came after actress Amanda Abbington, who also appeared in the most recent series of Strictly, accused her professional partner Giovanni, 33, of acting in an “abusive, cruel and mean” manner. Giovanni denies these claims.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView all
A STICKY SITUATION
New UK

A STICKY SITUATION

Actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Guillaume Cyr bond with Margo Martindale and get beaten up by Jamie Lee Curtis in a riotous new comedy drama series

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY
New UK

THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY

Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis gifts the world a new festive film this year

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
New UK

LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF

The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for peoplepleasers who struggle to put their own needs first

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"
New UK

Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"

Amanda Hovanec enlisted her lover and her mother in her cold-blooded plot

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'
New UK

'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'

Wellbeing coach Sarah-Jane Clark, from Swindon, shares how she achieved her dream of wearing a size 10 wedding dress after losing 12st

time-read
5 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'I am so looking forward to Christmas'
New UK

'I am so looking forward to Christmas'

Helen Flanagan shares her plans for the holidays with her new boyfriend Robbie Talbot and her kids

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
I'm turning the anger into positive energy
New UK

I'm turning the anger into positive energy

His best friend's death has made Gok Wan rethink life

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle
New UK

‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle

Actress and presenter Kéllé Bryan on managing fame and fronting a new fashion initiative

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'There were rats..it is a real jungle
New UK

'There were rats..it is a real jungle

Marvin Humes on his I'm A Celebrity experience, backing his buddies and the importance of kindness

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'
New UK

'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'

Model Caprice Bourret tells new about her festive traditions and starring in and producing a Christmas film

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024