Strictly Come Dancing has been making headlines lately due to the Giovanni Pernice claims by some of his celebrity dancer partners, and it has been reported the controversy is affecting bosses' ability to "sign up female stars" for the next show.
The 33-year-old dancer is at the centre of a legal battle after at least three of his former partners from previous series have complained about his conduct, with the choreographer denying any wrongdoing.
Pernice has reportedly quit his role on the show due to the ongoing reports, but this has yet to be officially confirmed by the Italian star and the BBC.
However, it's now been reported show bosses are "struggling" to sign up female stars to the annual show.
An insider reportedly claimed: "Strictly bosses have been left reeling by the backlash against Giovanni. One problem it has caused is that the booking team are struggling to recruit female celebrities for 2024."
Speaking to The Daily Mirror, they continued: "In the past, some women have been reluctant to sign up due to the Strictly curse and others have struggled to commit to the full on schedule.
Strictly bosses are 'struggling' to sign up female stars
BBC
"But this has made booking harder than ever. There is a concern amongst some about their treatment, while others are reluctant to be involved with the show while it’s under a shadow."
GB News has contacted the BBC about the reports.
Pernice was paired with Sherlock star Amanada Abbington, 52, last year, but she decided to quit in the fifth week of the competition.
Following reports of a feud between the pair, Abbington has since allegedly sought legal help following claims Pernice took a "bullying" approach to training on the show.
This year, it was reported a number of Pernice's other partners had joined Abbington in making legal complaints against him.
Abbington made claims about Pernice's conduct following her stint on last year's show
BBC
While he hasn't shared anything else on the situation, Pernice has appeared once again on girlfriend Molly Brown's Instagram and broke his silence on Friday by posting a comment, seemingly undeterred by the claims.
Brown shared a snap of the two seemingly on holiday enjoying a glass of wine, and Pernice left a comment consisting of a series of emojis, including a heart, a flame and heart-eyes.
Another post by Brown last week showed the couple with a new puppy while the media storm continued.
Over the weekend, Pernice was hit with a fresh claim after he reportedly sent an offensive video ahead of one of the live shows.
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Pernice has denied any wrongdoing as the BBC launches an investigation
BBC
A source told the Daily Mail: "The BBC was told about the video clip and that someone found the content completely inappropriate, grossly offensive.
"The BBC was told the celebrity was shocked and upset to receive it on a WhatsApp message, hours before the couple were meant to be dancing together on live television.
"They were told they felt intimidated by it. The women are being incredibly brave in speaking out, especially as a lot of them are going up against vicious messages from his loyal fans."