Strictly star slams calls for show's hosts to discuss scandals (original) (raw)

Janette Manrara has firmly responded to suggestions that she, along with Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, address the latest scandal involving Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima on air.

Although the It Takes Two presenter acknowledged solidarity with individuals who have spoken out about their negative experiences, she doesn't believe there is a need to bring up these issues during live broadcasts when they begin later this month.

While preparing for its landmark 20th series, Strictly has been clouded by complaints of misconduct against Giovanni and Graziano, both of whom are now absent from the show. Giovanni is dealing with allegations of "cruel" and "abusive" behaviour towards his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, who exited in the fifth week of the 2023 series. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.

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He firmly denies these accusations and looks forward to vindicating himself after the conclusion of the ongoing internal probe. At the same time, Graziano made the news with claims that he kicked and spat at former celebrity partner Zara McDermott. Although he's admitted to the kicking and expressed regret, he's strongly contested the spitting allegation, as reported by the Mirror.

Podcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover questioned Janette about the controversy, suggesting that Tess and Claudia need to provide an explanation to viewers. Janette Manrara, the 40 year old presenter of It Takes Two, has firmly disagreed with certain opinions.

She said: "I disagree, I think our jobs as hosts on the show, mine on It Takes Two and for Tess and Claudia on Strictly Come Dancing is to solely celebrate the people that are there now, their experience and talk about what they are going through, celebrate the pro dancers and the group numbers that they are doing now and focus on moving forward."

She added: "The only thing I will say is for example, Aljaz [Skorjanec] and his partner on my couch, how was your week? Did you enjoy it? Was it tough? Was it not tough? Tell me about it, how do you feel when the judges made those comments? ' That is my job and that is my priority to focus on that couple and their experience."

Strictly 2024 cast

The Strictly 2024 cast, who will be celebrating the landmark 20th series this year (Image: BBC)

Reflecting on her position in regard to the ongoing allegations, Janette stated that these matters were "above" her pay grade and suggested that broaching such topics during the new series could detract from the current contestants' experience.

Throughout the discussion, as other hosts brought up potential inauthenticity by avoiding certain topics, Janette stood firm on her stance, adding: "But that's not this year, there's a whole new cast of people." Summing up her perspective, she said: "Again, that's above my pay grade, I don't pick the scripts, I don't decide what happens or doesn't happen on the show but, in my personal opinion, I don't think it will be fair to the new contestants to bring up that negativity because they are here to have a positive experience."

This season features six female celebrities strutting their stuff on the dance floor, alongside nine male counterparts. While some might link this to recent controversies, Janette highlighted that an uneven gender split has happened in past seasons too.

The 15 stars battling it out for the much-coveted Glitterball trophy include; Opera star Wynne Evans, singer and actress Toyah Willcox, TV doctor Punam Krishan, comedian Chris McCausland, JLS heartthrob JB Gill, The Only Way Is Essex's Pete Wicks and Love Island's Tasha Ghouri.

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