Strictly’s most bitter row revealed as celeb claimed their partner LIED about injury – and she threatened to sue him
STRICTLY’S most bitter row has been revealed as one celebrity who claimed his professional partner LIED about an injury – and she threatened to sue him.
Johnny Ball, 86, took part in the BBC show back in 2012 and was paired with Aliona Vilani, 40.
Aliona left the early stages of the 10th series due to an injury and Johnny was paired with Iveta Lukošiūtė instead.
The TV personality, who is the dad of BBC Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, was the first to be booted off the show.
In 2017 Johnny launched an astonishing attack on his Strictly dance partners, accusing them of fixing it so he got booted off first.
The ex-children’s presenter told The Sun on Sunday: “Aliona fell on a flat floor in flat shoes and said she had broken her leg.
“The next day she flew to the South of France for a pre-arranged weekend with her boyfriend.”
The star was then paired with Iveta – and he claimed that she devised a routine that was too difficult for him.
He said: “When I was knocked out she said, ‘That’s funny, my contract ends on Tuesday’.”
Later on that month Johnny spoke about it on Good Morning Britain, saying: “Aliona supposedly broke her leg.
“She did not at all.”
Aliona later took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to deny his claims.
She said: “I am aware that Johnny Ball has made allegations regarding my fractured ankle during 2012 SCD, which I strongly deny.
“I have instructed solicitors and am taking legal action in relation to his allegations.
“It’s therefore not appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Aliona appeared on the BBC dance programme as a pro dancer between 2009 and 2015.
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”.
After winning the series with The Wanted’s Jay McGuinness, it was revealed she was quitting dancing and moving to America.
The dancer was keen to start a family with her husband Vincent Kavanagh in Florida.
An insider told The Sun: “Aliona and Vincent want to make a new start in the States now that Aliona has left Strictly and only has a few dates left touring with Jay.
“They had a difficult time of it last year when rumours started circulating that Aliona had been playing away from home with Jay.
“Vincent has always trusted his wife but he feels much more comfortable knowing that there’s going to be some distance between them – even though Jay has a home in LA.”
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Strictly in recent months.
Last week The Sun revealed that Graziano Di Prima was axed from the hit show amid claims he hit, kicked and spat at his celeb partner from last year Zara McDermott.
Amanda Abbington – who was on the show last year – has also made allegations against her professional partner Giovanni Pernice, which he denied.
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
