Television presenter Laura Whitmore has spoken out about her experiences on Strictly Come Dancing eight years ago, saying that the issues she tried to address back then are now coming to light. In an interview with The Irish Times, Whitmore revealed that she felt “gaslit to make it seem normalized” during her time on the show.
Whitmore, who was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2016, shared that the experience left her feeling “broken” and deeply affected by the way she was portrayed. She mentioned that she had raised concerns about inappropriate behavior at the time, but did not make an official complaint.
The recent allegations made by celebrities about their time on Strictly Come Dancing have rocked the show, with Whitmore and others speaking out about their experiences. Pernice’s representatives have stated that they are cooperating with the BBC’s review process and are confident that the allegations against him will be disproven.
Whitmore’s courage in coming forward has sparked a conversation about the treatment of celebrities on the show, with other stars like Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott sharing their own stories. The BBC has announced that they will be implementing measures to strengthen welfare and support on the show, including the presence of a chaperone during training room rehearsals.
As more details emerge and the investigation continues, it is clear that Whitmore’s decision to speak out has had a significant impact on the show and the industry as a whole. The BBC has reiterated their commitment to taking complaints seriously and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants on Strictly Come Dancing.
