Strictly’s Buckingham Palace special ‘scrapped’ over Giovanni Pernice probe

Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th-anniversary special at Buckingham Palace has been scrapped, according to reports.

It comes amid an investigation into allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour from professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who was recently confirmed not to return to the cast this year.

In December, the beloved BBC show will celebrate two decades on our screens, with a glitzy extravaganza originally planned to mark the milestone.

However, it’s believed logistical problems and diary clashes have scuppered the attempts, despite talks in a bid to make it work.

According to The Sun, the broadcaster’s probe into Italian choreographer Giovanni, 33, was also a factor in the decision.

Alas, King Charles and Queen Camilla might have to miss out, despite being huge fans of the programme.

‘She found the idea of hosting at the Palace exciting,’ a source told the outlet in reference to the Queen’s love of Strictly.

‘But it was felt by some that the decision to welcome the show might come to be seen in a negative light.’

It was previously reported by MailOnline that an episode during the 20th series of Strictly would be screened live from the central London residence.

Queen Camilla was even thought to make a one-off appearance.

Strictly insiders claimed that the BBC and royal officials had already made advanced plans, such as deciding which room the show would be filmed in, believed to be the ballroom.

There were arrangements to mirror the show’s familiar set-up at Elstree Studios as much as possible.

One source told The Mail on Sunday that talks had been ‘going on for some time now.’

‘Camilla loves Strictly, so what a dream this is for her. It has been about getting the timing right and 2024 is the year,’ they added.

‘Strictly started in 2004 so it is two decades. There is huge excitement about this happening – it is going to be quite a night.

‘The Queen has been a long-standing fan of the show, so it feels like a perfect fusion.

There has already been so much thought that has gone into this, the room has been selected and it will be absolutely stunning.’

Camilla’s enthusiasm for Strictly is well-documented, as she previously praised 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, telling her in April 2022 that she voted for her to lift the trophy.

‘I don’t know how you did all those dances,’ she told the actress, who was Strictly’s first-ever Deaf contestant.

Rose was partnered with Giovanni throughout her Strictly stint and has had nothing but positive things to say about their time together.

On the other hand, the likes of Amanda Abbington – who took part in Strictly last year but quit unexpectedly mid-way through, despite being a favourite – have made a string of damning allegations.

The Sherlock star, 52, and two other women made accusations of misconduct, which led to Giovanni stepping down from the show after several years.

He maintains innocence and has said in a statement that he wishes to clear his name.

Giovanni is reportedly ‘confident’ that the bullying row will come to an end soon and has thanked fans for their support.

Meanwhile, every other Strictly professional from the last series will return this autumn, including longest-serving dancer Karen Hauer and Amy Dowden, who took a break last series to undergo treatment for breast cancer.

The BBC declined to comment.

Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.

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