Strictly scandal dance partners 'trading insults'

STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses are struggling to contain a bullying and abuse scandal after stars turned on each other in a crisis-hit 24 hours.

- TOM BRYANT

A BBC insider said: "The crisis shows no signs of abating, It's full panic stations mode as there is not a clear path out of this mess. It's getting worse by the day.

Giovanni Pernice, 33, appeared to blast his ex-partner and accuser Amanda Abbington on stage on Sunday night.

The professional dancer, who will not return for the new series, was performing with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke at The Lowry, Salford, when he told the cheering audience: "Oh I will be back, don't you worry, before adding; "Let's see what this mad woman has got to say next. He did not name anyone.