OHMYGOSSIP — Amanda Abbington has branded Giovanni Pernice “abusive, cruel and mean”.
The 50-year-old actress withdrew from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ last year amid claims she had clashed with her professional partner and later revealed she had been diagnosed with PTSD, and now she has spoken out for the first time about her experience, calling for a “duty of care” from show bosses.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday newspaper about making a complaint to the BBC, she said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
“I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.
“I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed.
“Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job.
“I was being as amenable as possible and it wasn’t being reciprocated, that’s all.
“And I wanted to complain about it because I didn’t think it was fair — this is a publicly owned company.”
The ‘Sherlock’ actress hit out at the “insane” backlash she experienced in the wake of her much-discussed exit from the competition and insisted she should never have been partnered with Giovanni – who won’t be returning for the next series of ‘Strictly’ – because of his alleged previous conduct.
She added: “It’s insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash.
“I know the BBC knew about Giovanni’s behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done. It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him.”
Other stars have since spoken about their treatment at the hands of the professional dancers on the show, with Graziano Di Prima dropped last weekend amid allegations he was violent towards Zara McDermott, and Amanda is “proud” of them for coming forward.
She said: “I’m proud of the people who have come forward. Daring to say something is a big step for people. The BBC must have been turning a blind eye and the fact other people have come forward must mean there is something going on that is endemic.”
Giovanni has denied the allegations surrounding his conduct.
His spokesperson said: “Giovanni refutes these allegations and denies any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour. He has provided substantive evidence to the investigation and he remains fully confident of clearing his name.”
And a BBC spokesman said: “The BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.
“The BBC has duties of care to everyone — to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Channel 4 made the decision to pull an episode of ‘The Simpsons’ from its schedule after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
The former President of the United States was shot as he hosted a campaign rally for his re-election in Pennsylvania on Saturday (13.07.24).
Trump, 78, was hit by the bullet on his ear before taking cover behind a podium from the gunman’s fire. He was then seen with blood running down his face as Secret Service officers came to his aide and and rushed him off stage.
The shooter was later identified as Republican Thomas Matthew Crooks, and he was neutralised by Secret Service snipers on a nearby roof following his actions which resulted in one person being killed and three others injured.
Explosives and bomb making materials were found in his home and car parked near the Trump rally
In the aftermath of the shooting, Channel 4 was due to air ‘The Simpsons’ episode ‘Lisa the Iconoclast’ at 1pm on Sunday (14.07.24).
The story – which was first aired as part of Season 7 in 1996 – focuses on Lisa as she discovers that Springfield’s founder Jebediah Springfield was a pirate who tried to assassinate George Washington and viewed the town’s citizens with contempt.
Lisa, with help from her father Homer, tries to inform the residents about the truth but they are angered by the revelations.
One scene shows the President being shot at with a rifle, and those fictional events were too close to what had just transpired in America.
Social media users highlighted why the episode was likely pulled from transmission.
X user RopesToInfinity posted: “Wondered at first why Channel 4 just pulled the scheduled broadcast of Lisa The Iconoclast, but I think I get.”
X account TejasSandhu wrote: “Top work whoever took the decision but crazy how this of all episodes was the one scheduled. The Simpsons’ weird coincidences continue…”
In place of ‘Lisa the Iconoclast’, which was the next episode in chronological order, Channel 4 aired a Season 30 episode about self-driving cars instead.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Stephen Merchant hired “allergy exorcists” to find out why he felt unwell in his flat.
The 49-year-old actor and writer revealed that back in 2012 he could not set foot inside his home without sneezing or his eyes starting to stream.
He did everything he could to figure out the source of the problem, including hiring “allergy exorcists” and going to see a doctor in London’s prestigious Harley Street, who Stephen claimed turned out to be a “quack”.
Speaking on the ‘My Mate Bought A Toaster’ podcast, he said: “I discovered I was allergic to my flat. I couldn’t figure out what the problem was but I did a lot in the next couple of years to try to not have eyes streaming, sneezing, every time I entered my flat.
“It was brutal. I’d go away on holiday, I’d come back and within an hour I’d be sneezing, my eyes would be streaming. The whole house was spotless, I had allergy people come round to do tests on whether there was too much dust. Allergy exorcists, they couldn’t find anything.
“At one point, I thought, maybe it’s me, maybe I’m the problem. I said to someone ‘Do you have any tips on allergy specialists?’ and they gave me a number, I went to this guy. It was what I can only describe as a Harley Street quack. I was so furious and I got there and I thought, hang on a minute, this is not a proper clinic. He had sort of like an attic room and he had these little jars of things that said things like ‘apple’, ‘dust’, ‘cat’, ‘cheese’. He asked me about my allergies, I said I thought it was dust and sure enough when he got out his dust jar, that was the one that informed him I was allergic to dust. I wish I hadn’t told him. I was so furious with him.”
After all of his investigations, Stephen finally figured out the cause of the problem was his mattress.
He said: “It subsequently turned out it was the mattress, the mattress was the issue and once I changed it, life was never the same again.”
He quipped: “That bed saw a lot of action in 2012 and I had to get rid of it”.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Oliver Savell says his fake “glasses and the teeth really, really help” him get into character as Alan Carr.
The 14-year-old actor admitted that costume is a huge part of getting into playing the child version of the 48-year-old comedian in the ITV1 and ITVX sitcom ‘Changing Ends’, which is based on his childhood growing up as the son of Graham Carr, the manager of football team Northampton Town in the ’80s.
The 14-year-old actor told The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz column: “The glasses and the teeth really, really help – it makes me feel a bit like Alan.
Alan admits that it was “hard” to not take it personally when his features are considered a big part of why the series is funny.
The former ‘Chatty Man’ host said: “It’s hard not to get offended when the props are
“The funny thing is you’re on set and the director will shout, ‘Right, it’s time for a take, can you get Alan’s comedy teeth? Alan’s comedy teeth to set’. And I’m like, ‘I am here’.
“At least Oliver can take his out at the end of the day.”
Alan admits he has enough stories to continue the show for a further eight series but he is worried at how much puberty will effect his main star Oliver.
He said: “Ollie is amazing and he just gets better. But of course, the elephant in the room was that we were wondering how tall he would have got and how much his voice had dropped – you have to be able to hit those high notes when you play Alan Carr, I’m like Mariah Carey!
“But he’s just so professional and funny. Even though he was a little bit taller for Series Two, he’s still just as talented and wonderful in the role as he was in the first series. If we get recommissioned I might have to do a time jump for series three!
“Honestly, the stuff that happens to me on a daily basis means I’ve still got enough stories up my sleeve to take us through to series nine if we ever get that far!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Ricky Gervais has reportedly cast Natalie Cassidy in his upcoming animated series.
The 63-year-old star is working on his first major programme since ‘After Life’ took Netflix by storm, and the ‘EastEnders’ star is said to be lending her voice to the show, which will be about cats.
As reported by The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column, a recording session was held last week in London and Natalie is on board.
A source said: “The project is still in its early stages, but Ricky is super excited as he’s always wanted to make a show about cats.
“He’s a big animal lover, so mixing comedy and pets is an ideal combination.
“And with his star cast on board, it’s bound to be hilarious.”
As well as Natalie, the cast is expected to feature big names from his previousn projects, after Ricky shared a picture of the cast including Kerry Goldliman and Diane Morgan inside a studio.
Plot details are being kept under wraps for the project, which is set to land on Netflix as part of Ricky’s exclusive deal with the streaming platform.
BBC bosses are letting Natalie take part as there is no scheduling clash, while she has long wanted to star in one of the comedian’s shows.
Last year, she joined ‘Derek’ and ‘After Life’ stars David Earl and Joe Wilkinson on the ‘Chatabix’ podcast and said: “It’s my dream. I watch ‘After Life’ and ‘Derek’ and I’m like, ‘Why haven’t I done that? Why can’t I be on things like that?’ ”
News of the feline project comes after Ricky laid into the ‘Cats’ musical movie adaptation during the 2020 Golden Globes.
As well as taking aim at leading man James Corden, he referenced the film’s “shocking reviews”, adding: “I saw one that said this is the worst thing to happen to cats since dogs.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ could be set to introduce chaperones in a bid to tighten its duty of care protocols.
Graziano Di Prima has been axed by the BBC Latin and ballroom show last week amid reports of alleged misconduct relating to how he treated his 2023 partner Zara McDermott, and fellow professional dancer Giovanni Pernice will also not be returning to the programme amid allegations about his treatment of his celebrity dance partners.
A senior TV figure has called for chaperones to attend every dance rehearsal to ensure the pro dancers don’t step out of line.
They told The Times newspaper: “It would be an expensive measure to employ chaperones to attend every rehearsal and check that everything is above board but it would mean that no one would be able to cry foul months later.
“It’s a fundamental question that the BBC has to answer.
“How does it [ensure contributor welfare] while achieving the high standards that the judges have come to demand to show the journeys of the contestants from clodhopping horses to graceful swans. And audience expectations have also grown as over the years viewers have come to understand more and more about what quality ballroom dancing looks like.”
Sam Bickley, the BBC’s duty of care executive, is expected to speak to bosses at BBC Studios about where duty of protocols “need to be tightened up”.
An insider said: “The BBC has toughened up its duty of care rules and Sam is now acting as a full-time duty of care exec.
“She will be discussing the protocols and where they need to be tightened up.
“It’s 90 per cent a happy ship but the push to win and compete might have meant some overstepping of the mark. We have acted swiftly and decisively to nip that in the bud and it doesn’t take away from almost everyone else having a really lovely, enriching experience from being part of the show.”
Last weekend, Graziano confirmed he had departed ‘Strictly’.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.
“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. 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.”
The BBC didn’t discuss the allegations against Graziano, but said they were aware of their duty of care.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
“While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Zara McDermott has broken her silence on Graziano Di Prima’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ axing, admitting she didn’t speak out previously because she was “scared about public backlash” and of her “future”.
The 30-year-old professional dancer was axed by the BBC Latin and ballroom show last week amid reports of alleged misconduct relating to how he treated his 2023 partner Zara, who has now said she “wrestled with the fear of opening up” about her experience on the programme.
Zara has also told how she had a “very different” experience “inside the training room” compared to how it was working with her fellow contestants, and Zara claimed there are videos of “particular incidents, which are incredibly distressing to watch”.
She wrote on Instagram: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.
“And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to worth with.
“However, my experience inside the training room was very different.
“Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.
“The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud.
“This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.”
Zara concluded her post by thanking the BBC for their “swift action and incredibly high level of support”.
She wrote: “I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara. (sic)”
Last weekend, Graziano confirmed he had departed ‘Strictly’.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.
“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. 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.”
The BBC didn’t discuss the allegations against Graziano, but said they were aware of their duty of care.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
“While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Sam Thompson has become an official ambassador of ADHD UK.
The former ‘Made in Chelsea’ star, who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, feels “honoured” to be working closely with the organisation, and he hopes to help “change perceptions of those with ADHD” and encourage conversations around the subject.
He wrote on Instagram: “I am so honoured to announce that I am now an official ambassador of @adhduk.co.uk
“As many of you know, this is a cause very close to my heart. Their charity slogan is ‘positively changing what it means to have ADHD in the UK’ – and that just sums up my own mission as someone diagnosed with ADHD not too long ago.
“Their 5 goals as a charity are – Information, Support, Research, Advocacy, and Awareness – and I hope to use my own platform and audience to help with all of these.
“Changing perceptions of those with ADHD, and encouraging conversation around this topic is and will continue to be a huge and central part of my life. This is what I want my legacy to be, above anything else. (sic)”
Sam spoke openly about his ADHD diagnosis during his successful stint on ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ – which he won – late last year.
And he wants to show people how ADHD “can be a superpower”.
He added: “Since I left the jungle, I’ve met so many children and adults who have come up to me, or contacted me to say I’ve helped change their minds on how they view ADHD.
“I want to reach as many people as I possibly can, especially young people, and show there is such magic in being neurodiverse.
“Yes there are some very real challenges along the way, but with the right support, it can be a superpower, it can be a blessing and we can achieve all of our dreams.
“Thank you @adhduk.co.uk for all the work you do for people like me, I am so pleased to be on the team! (sic)”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Helen Flanagan was nearly “thrown out” of ‘Celebs Go Dating’ after breaking the show’s rules.
Dating agent Anna Williamson has revealed the former ‘Coronation Street’ actress has one of the “biggest cliff-hanger pivot of a storyline” in the E4 programme’s history, but she also didn’t play by the programme’s rules.
Anna told The Sun: “Helen, I just love her.
“What I will say about her though – and I don’t want to spoil anything – but Helen has the biggest cliff-hanger pivot of a storyline that we’ve ever had in ‘Celebs Go Dating’ history.
“Helen nearly got thrown out of the agency two weeks ago. She did something huge which goes against all the rules of the agency.”
Anna has teased ‘Celebs Go Dating’ fans that they can expect the new series to “pivot and ramp up more” towards the end of the season, when she thought it would be “a bit more tame”.
She added: “I’m not just saying it, I think this is one of my favourite series we’ve done in a long time.
“Put it this way I’m filming scenes at the moment that I feel like I’m a viewer watching on the telly.
“I’m going, ‘what? Huh?’
“Just when we thought things started to get a bit more tame towards the end of series, it’s just pivoted and ramped up more. To the point where I need a serious spa holiday after this series.”
Pop star and former ‘Hollyoaks’ actress Jamelia is also part of the new ‘Celebs Go Dating’ series, as is Love Island’s Chris Taylor, former ‘Gogglebox’ star Stephen Lustig-Webb, Made In Chelsea’s Tristan Phipps and Married At First Sight’s Ella Morgan.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — A fourth TV biopic about former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is in the works.
‘The Crown’ star Lesley Manville – who played Princess Margaret in the Netflix drama, and portrayed Thatcher in 2009 Channel 4 docu-drama ‘The Queen’ – is expected to portray the late politician again in the as-yet unnamed programme, which will feature various eras of her life in different episodes.
A TV insider told The Sun newspaper: “This is a high-class production that would comprehensively examine Maggie’s rise and fall in politics.
“It’s already being talked about as being a replacement for The Crown because, similar to The Queen’s depiction in the Netflix show, it combines her private life with that of statecraft.
“It’s yet to be snapped up by a channel or streamer so expect a bidding war to break out before it reaches our screens.
“There’s a very real hunger for all things Thatcher just now.
“She’s a fascinating figure and the feeling is that enough time has elapsed since she was PM to enable writers to depict her more objectively.”
Last month, it was revealed three Thatcher biopics were in the works.
Channel 4 is making ‘Brian and Margaret’, focusing on the relationship between journalist Brian Walden and Thatcher, who was Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990.
Dame Harriet Walter is expected to play the Iron Lady in the programme.
What’s more, Mammoth Screen is said to be working on a show about her, while another project is said to have the backing of a “top writer”.
It is thought both could be picked up by streamers.
A source previously told the publication: “This is just the latest in a growing number of dramas with the same subject matter which are being made by TV rivals.
“Things are becoming so competitive they are making direct bids to outdo one another with essentially the same stories.
“Prime Video and Netflix have both made dramas about Prince Andrew’s car crash Newsnight interview, while the BBC and Sky are both making shows about the Lockerbie terrorist bombing.
“But never before have three biopics been in development at the same time. All three shows can’t escape being compared to one another.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Laurie Brett has teased there is plenty of “drama” to come following her shock ‘EastEnders’ return.
The 55-year-old actress – who plays Jane Beale – made her comeback on Monday night’s (16.07.24) episode of the BBC soap, which left Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) shocked as she came face to face with partner Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) old flame.
Following their awkward encounter, Laurie admitted there is plenty of friction between the two characters in upcoming scenes.
She said: “It is a bit of a shock! They’ve never met before, but Jane knows an awful lot more about Cindy than Cindy knows about Jane, because of all those years she spent with the Beale kids.
“So, Jane is sideswiped by Cindy, but she’s also a bit indignant, thinking, ‘What are you doing in my house?’
“Seeing Cindy is almost like seeing a ghost for Jane. Jane’s head is spinning, which is only natural, given how bizarre this situation is.
“There is a lot of drama, certainly, between these two women!
“But they are both mothers – funnily enough, of the same children – and most mothers would do anything for their kids.
“What Jane did in that terrible moment with Lucy is unfathomable, but before that, she spent 15 years being a great mum to Cindy’s kids.
“Cindy is angry with Jane, and she also feels guilty that she wasn’t there, so she’s lashing out for all sorts of different reasons.
“They have both made mistakes, and they both know that, so it’s quite complex.”
Laurie also spoke about how it was for Jane to reunite with her adopted son Bobby (Clay Milner Russell) – who accidentally killed Cindy’s daughter Lucy in 2014, and Jane tried to cover it up to protect him – and promised the reunion would be an “emotional” watch.
She added: “The minute Jane sees Bobby, it’s almost like an out-of-body experience for her.
“The whole world stops, and all she can see is him. Her heart is exploding with love, and everything else fades to black.
“It’s a beautiful moment. I think there are a few scenes that are going to make people cry.
“No matter what Bobby has done to Jane in the past, a mother will always forgive. You only have to look at Dot and Nick back in the day to see that’s true.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Matt Di Angelo was “very surprised” when he discovered the identity of a former ‘EastEnders’ star who is returning for the show’s 40th anniversary.
The 37-year-old actor – who plays Dean Wicks in the show – admitted there are some “big surprises” to come in Albert Square next year when the BBC One soap celebrates the milestone, but he hasn’t revealed exactly who is coming back.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “I know quite a lot and I can’t tell you who exactly – but when I found out, I was very surprised that they would come back.”
Matt’s comments come after ‘EastEnders’ boss Chris Clenshaw recently hinted there could be some big character returns for the 40th anniversary.
He told The Sun newspaper: “As we head towards our 40th year, I think the nostalgic element means a lot.
“Into the autumn and the end of the year, we’ve got quite a few treats coming up.”
When asked whether long-departed EastEnders characters could return to the BBC One soap, he said: “Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are.
“But it has to come from character, it has to come from story.”
Last month, Danny Dyer – who played Mick Carter in the soap – confirmed his character was dead after he got lost at sea, but hinted the former Queen Vic landlord could still return to the show as part of a “dream sequence”.
He told Heat magazine: “Everyone is asking when I’m going back to EastEnders, which is very interesting to me.
“But he’s dead!
“Look, I take it as a compliment that people want me to go back. Who knows? If there’s no closure there, then maybe I would come back for a dream sequence. I don’t think Mick could just rock up covered in seaweed!
“I think if they did it right, with the 40th anniversary coming up, if they came up with an idea of maybe Linda drunk or hallucinating, then I would come back and do some scenes with her.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online