Shirley Ballas confirms Strictly’s celebrity line-up reveal date – and it’s just days away
SHIRLEY Ballas has confirmed when this year’s Strictly Come Dancing celebrity line-up will be revealed.
We’re fast approaching the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing and head judge Shirley, 63, has teased fans are in for a treat this year.
She said: “The celebrities will be announced, I believe, July. I think it’s coming up rather soon.”
Speaking to HELLO!, Shirley added: “It’s going to be absolutely off the chart. Just when you think the show can’t get any better, it does…”
Bosses will no doubt be hoping a sparkling celebrity line-up will distract viewers from the Giovanni Pernice scandal which is still rumbling on.
Giovanni, 33, faces a BBC probe after his former celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington said she had PTSD following her time on Strictly with him.
Gio rejects all allegations and has now quit the show, while Amanda, 50, is being backed by two other female stars who are helping the BBC probe.
Recently a show dancer has told The Sun the cast are banned from speaking about him.
The pro, who we are not naming, said: “I’m not allowed to comment. We’ve been told not to talk about it until the official Strictly statement.”
A source said: “When Amanda’s claims first came to light no one could have foreseen the drama would still be raging so ferociously six months later.
“We’re just a few weeks away from the 2024 cast reveal and bosses are worried the scandal is now dangerously close to overshadowing the new series.
“A lot of work has gone into it as it’s the 20th anniversary, and now — still — all anyone talks about is Giovanni.”
But Shirley has been vocal in her support of Gio. Speaking to The Sun, she said: “I have known Giovanni for ten years.
“He has always been to me, — and I will make that clear, to me — a perfect gentleman.
“I know he is a hard worker. He wants people to do the very best that they can do.”
Earlier this month The Sun revealed bosses have signed up blind comedian Chris McCausland for this year’s show.
We also revealed 80s singer Toyah Wilcox will be taking part in the competition.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.