Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th anniversary should have been a sparkling cause for celebration. But with the show facing its biggest scandal yet, as numerous dancers face scrutiny over their behaviour, it feels like anything but for long-time host Tess Daly.
Having been at the helm of the Strictly ship since it first aired in 2004, Tess, 55, has always been loyal to the show that turned her into a household name.
But with its future up in the air amid the BBC’s formal investigation into Italian pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, and with further contestants reportedly preparing to speak out about their experiences, an insider tells Closer that Tess has been thinking about her future on the show – looking to her husband, Vernon Kay, 50, and fellow TV host Holly Willoughby for guidance on what to do next.
Our source says, “Tess loves Strictly – she’s been there from the start and they’re like her family, but the whole scandal has put a murky cloud over everything. She’s been thinking about the future and what it all could mean. Things seem to be getting worse, with more investigations under way, and it’s been an absolute nightmare for the show.”
And, while Strictly has also faced controversies – mostly involving the infamous “Strictly curse” – the latest drama has left fans questioning whether the show can come back at all.
The most prominent public allegations relate to Giovanni, 33, and his partnership with Amanda Abbington, 52, on the show last autumn. Sherlock star Amanda, 52, has made an official complaint to the BBC about Giovanni, who has denied any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour.
And last month it emerged that pro Graziano di Prima would not be returning to the show following allegations that he had “kicked” and “spat” on partner Zara McDermott, who admitted some of her time on Strictly had been “distressing” – something Graziano denies.
And with these new and serious allegations, Strictly’s wholesome image is at risk of being tarnished. Insiders say that Tess’ husband of more than two decades wants his wife to know her value, and realise that she can move on from Strictly should she feel like it’s time.
The source says, “Vernon has been offering Tess all the support she needs and has argued that if she did walk away, she could still make just as much money, if not more, through all her brand deals and companies. He’s asked if she really needs the show and said that now could be time to go, when she’d could do in a blaze of glory. Vernon’s definitely feeling caught in the middle of the scandal, too – he and Tess are going through this together.”
Last year, Holly Willoughby left her long-running job at This Morning following controversies with her former co-host Phillip Schofield, as well as being embroiled in a terrifying kidnapping plot, for which perpetrator Gavin Plumb was sentenced to prison last month.
Since Holly’s departure from This Morning, she’s kept a low profile, returning to our screens sporadically for Dancing On Ice, and heading out to Costa Rica to film new BBC show Bear Hunt, which will air next year.
And, the source says, that Holly carving her own path has inspired Tess. We’re told, “Tess is looking at herself and her brand image. She naturally has fears around Holly and what happened to her when things started going wrong at This Morning – thinking, ‘I’ve got to put myself before the show’. It’s been a shocking time and she has to do the right thing for her career. Strictly could survive without her – but it could take her down with it if she stays.”
