Former Strictly pro Ian Waite controversially urges BBC bosses 'don't hire Italians' for the show after Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice bullying scandal

Since Strictly began 20 years agone Italian dancers person go a staple of nan Saturday nighttime show.

But amid nan ongoing bullying furore, nan much-loved erstwhile Strictly pro, Ian Waite, has made a arguable plea to prohibition nan nationality from partaking successful nan competition.

Giovanni Pernice, 34, exited nan show successful April pursuing bullying allegations from his creation partner, Amanda Abbington and has denied each accusations. 

Meanwhile chap Italian Graziano Di Prima, 30, was sacked aft he admitted to kicking his partner, Zara McDermott.

'Well, there's a link. They're some Italian. And, a small spot of proposal - don't book Italians anymore,' said Ian connected nan Stripping Off With Matt Haycox podcast. 

He said: 'One of nan problems is that, arsenic pro dancers, we weren't fixed immoderate safeguarding rules aliases guidance connected really we should behave pinch our personage partners.

'What's violative aliases abusive if location are nary clear guidelines?

'We had to fig it retired ourselves.'

Amid nan ongoing bullying accusations, nan 53-year-old dancer, who precocious won Dancing pinch nan Stars Australia, said out.

He said: 'There were times erstwhile I fell retired pinch my partner, yes. And location were moreover times erstwhile location were a batch of shouting matches going on, but it was for a bully reason.

'Unless it's each filmed, it's your connection against theirs.'

The likes of Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace were thing short of adored by fans for their electrifying performances and undeniable charm.

As Strictly's 20th day bid grapples pinch controversy, nan BBC cautiously sidestepped nan rumor during Saturday's motorboat show.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden - who is now crab free - was a imagination successful a dazzling fuchsia ballroom gown twirling astir arsenic she displayed her unthinkable moves pinch her chap dancers as portion of her triumphant comeback. 

Strictly's Class of 2024 is made up of stars for illustration EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and JLS vocalist JB Gill.

Other contestants include  X Factor victor Shayne Ward, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.

Comedian Chris McCausland - who has made history arsenic nan show's first unsighted subordinate - has already go a patient favourite  amongst fans acknowledgment to his wicked consciousness of humour.
Strictly Come Dancing continues connected Saturday September 21 connected BBC1.