STRICTLY star Ann Widdecombe has branded the Wynne Evans and Katya Jones ‘grope’ row ‘as pathetic as Amanda Abbingdon’ in a savage attack.
On Saturday night’s instalment of the BBC show, fans noticed an awkward moment between Wynne and Katya, where the professional dancer pushed his hands off her waist on camera.
Ann Widdecombe gave her opinion on the current Strictly ‘grope’ row[/caption]
This is the moment that Ann is referring to[/caption]
Amanda Abbington took part in Strictly last year – and filed a complaint about her time on the show[/caption]
The awkward moment was not left unnoticed by fans, with many raising concern on social media.
It was later revealed that Srictly bosses shared that they would not be taking any further action over what had happened.
It appears that Ann, who appeared on the BBC competition in 2010, doesn’t think it’s a big deal.
Speaking on The Jeremy Vine Show, Ann said: “Given that what they have said and they’ve dismissed it as a nonsense, why is it that everybody’s still talking about it?
“We’ve become obsessed with this.
“It’s pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. Almost as pathetic as Amanda Abbington.”
A Strictly source said: “Wynne and Katya have confirmed that their interactions in the Clauditorium were silly jokes they had planned together and have apologised to anyone who may have misinterpreted them.
“They addressed them on Wynne’s Instagram, where their apology can be found.
“Katya would like to clarify further that she was not offended by Wynne and was not made to feel uncomfortable in the least.
“The welfare team have checked in on the pair and there are no further actions planned.”
Wynne has since revealed his heartbreak over the live TV “grope”, saying that it was “a stupid joke that had gone wrong”.
Things were made even more awkward when moments before, Katya was seen refusing to high-five the singer after their performance.
Ann, who was partnered with Anton Du Beke during her stint on the programme, made reference to Strictly 2023 star Amanda – who has been involved one of the show’s recent scandals.
Actress Amanda was partnered with Giovanni Pernice during the 21st series last year.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
However she quit the show weeks into the competition after rumours were spreading that they she was feuding with the Italian dancer.
At the start of 2024 she allegedly told her friends that she had been left with post-traumatic stress disorder from being on the show – and demanded CCTV from training.
The Beeb later launched an investigation into Gio’s behaviour.
On September 30 the report was released – and Gio – who quit the show in May – was cleared of almost all the abuse allegations.
STRICTLY’S GIO CLEARED
By Issy Sampson
IT’S been a tense wait for Giovanni Pernice, but today the BBC’s official investigation into the Strictly Come Dancing bullying row finally cleared him of almost all of the abuse allegations.
Amanda Abbington has released a statement saying she’s not happy with the outcome – but now the BBC needs to draw a line under the whole ugly situation and move on.
The scandal has seen two dancers leave the show – and more accusations thrown around than a celebrity in a jive.
It’s also seen trolls send Amanda death threats and threaten her children – vile abuse that nobody should ever have to suffer through for simply quitting a TV show and speaking up.
Clearly, Amanda went through a lot and considers the way that Giovanni treated her to be unacceptable – and both the BBC and the dancer need to learn lessons from this situation.
The BBC has already made changes to training sessions, making sure dancers are never alone with the celebs and a chaperone is present at all times. The show’s pros are no doubt a lot more cautious in their teaching methods.
But this investigation needs to change the way all reality shows are run backstage – duty of care towards both stars taking part and backstage staff needs to be increased and upheld. Because if Strictly meets another scandal this big, it could be too damaged to survive.
In a statement, the broadcaster said: “The BBC has now concluded its review into the complaints made by Amanda Abbington against Giovanni Pernice.
We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken.
“Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards.
“While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience.
“It is a great shame if this hasn’t been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show.
“We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.
“We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part.
“We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.”
The report upholds six out of 17 allegations against pro dancer Giovanni, according to the Mail.
t finds instances of Giovanni using swear words and “belittling” language and giving negative feedback.
And the report also finds there there were two moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace”.
In a statement, Amanda said: “As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.
“In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’.
“I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work.
“My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation.
“Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.
“It’s not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.
“I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.
“The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering.”
Amanda added: “This apology means a great deal to me.
“So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were ‘not enough’.
“What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.”
WARNING – TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAM WITHOUT PERMISSION..Caption – Katya Jones and Wynne Evans apologise after Strictly Come Dancing..Link –[/caption]
