Ex judge Arlene Phillips weighs in on the Strictly bullying scandal as she urges show to ‘turn down the pressure’: ‘It will never be fully behind them’

Arlene Phillips has said BBC viewers and producers should ‘reduce the pressure on Strictly Come Dancing’ as she gave her thoughts on the recent scandals.

The legendary dancer and choreographer, 81, was one of Strictly’s original judges and served on the panel for four years, alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman.

Last year, the popular family show found itself deep in a sea of ​​accusations against professional dancers after Amanda Abbington accused partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying.

Giovanni was cleared of the majority of allegations against him in the recent BBC investigation and will reportedly return.

Speaking about the scandal, Arlene said she ‘hopes people enjoy’ the dancing show, which is currently celebrating its 20th series, so it will ‘go on forever’.

Last year, the popular family show found itself deep in a sea of ​​accusations against professional dancers after Amanda Abbington accused partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying

Speaking to MailOnline on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards, Arlene discussed the recent bullying scandals and said she believes this will ‘never be completely behind us’.

She said: ‘I never think it’s over, no one knows what will happen in the future, but I hope people get enjoyment out of the show because it has become so big.

‘So much depends on the professionals because they can now have life-changing careers in ways other than Strictly.

‘So reduce the pressure, bring back the love and the joy and Strictly will live forever.’

MailOnline has contacted Strictly Come Dancing representatives for comment.

Italian dancer Giovanni, 34, will appear in a special episode celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary, which looks back at “iconic performances and famous faces from past and present.”

Giovanni is likely to appear in the episode, which airs in December, alongside his former dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis, 29, who made history as the first deaf contestant to win the coveted glitterball trophy.

A source said this The sun: ‘Giovanni made history when he won with Rose, so there will be footage of their emotional silent performance.’

There is also speculation that Giovanni could appear on the show in person, although the BBC is yet to confirm this.

Arlene said she ‘hopes people enjoy’ the dance show, which is currently celebrating its 20th series, so it will ‘go on forever’

Speaking to MailOnline on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards, Arlene discussed the recent bullying scandals and said she believes it will ‘never be completely behind us’.

The legendary dancer and choreographer, 81, was one of Strictly’s original judges and served on the panel for four years, alongside Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood

It comes as Giovanni Pernice reportedly returns to Strictly after being cleared of most of the bullying allegations against him; last year pictured with Amanda Abbington

Graziano Di Prima [pictured] apparently won’t appear after he was fired from the show last year for kicking celebrity partner Zara McDermott

Graziano Di Prima will apparently not appear after being fired from the show last year for kicking celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

Speaking about his departure from the show, a ‘devastated’ Graziano wrote on Instagram: ‘I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win may have influenced my training regimen.

‘While I respect the BBC’s HR process, I recognize that it is only right in the interests of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I was not allowed to quote the online news stories, and I take into account the sensitivity of the situation.

“There is more to this story that I cannot discuss at this time, but I am determined to be strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.”

MailOnline contacted Strictly representatives for comment, who stated: ‘Editorial decisions on what the final show will feature have not yet been finalized.’

Professional dancer Giovanni left the BBC’s Strictly in May after his former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington complained about his behaviour.

The BBC cleared the Sicilian of ten of the sixteen charges when the investigation concluded in September.

Six of the claims were upheld, including bullying and harassment, prompting an apology from BBC bosses.

The BBC also agreed with Amanda that it seemed like he sometimes gave her overly negative feedback.

Amanda abruptly quit the show in just week five of last year’s series, citing personal reasons, before accusing the dancer of ‘mean’ and ‘cruel’ behaviour.