Strictly star reveals she’s been called to give evidence in BBC investigation

Former Strictly star, Debbie McGee, has revealed that she has been asked to give evidence in the BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing.

In 2017, the year after her husband Paul Daniels died, Debbie joined the 15th season of Strictly and made it to the finale.

She was announced as a runner-up to Joe McFadden with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, – who has recently been in the spotlight after a bullying scandal erupted.

Amanda Abbington, 50, quit Strictly after five weeks last year, claiming that her experience on the BBC series left her with PTSD after working with Giovanni.

She alleged she found the professional dancer’s approach ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’. Giovanni has denied the allegations.

Debbie, 65, has now revealed in a candid interview that she has been involved in the Strictly investigation as she said she believed the BBC was interviewing all of his previous dance partners.

She told GB News that she had been asked about giving evidence and didn’t want ‘anyone to be bullied’.

‘And I think lots of people will be invited to give their experience of Strictly, so I just hope at the end of the day I don’t want anyone to be bullied, I’m really against all of that, but we are all different. 

‘People can react differently to different circumstances, or you just don’t have a chemistry with somebody that somebody else might have a chemistry. 

‘So I don’t know what went on, but I’m sure that they will go into it in a lot of depth before making any decisions.

‘I don’t know if I’m allowed to say or not, but yes, I have [been asked to take part in the investigation]

‘So you know, it’s all very secret, and I’m sure everybody else who’s ever danced with him and people that have worked alongside him would have been asked to give evidence too, so I just hope it all turns out well for all parties.’

She also told GB News that she still loved the show: ‘I think it will be as wonderful as it’s always been. It’s an uplifting show, isn’t it? It’s got the glamour, everything. There’s nothing to make you sad in it. 

‘I had the most amazing time. Giovanni was my partner, and it’s still a life changing experience. And at that time in my life as well, it was a year after Paul, my late husband, had died. 

‘It was a tough, tough time, and it just totally brought me out of all my grief. And everyone on the programme is just so lovely, and it’s like a big family.’

She then opened up on her experience with Giovanni and said she had ‘great memories’ with him.

‘And my experience of Giovanni, I know other people have said they’ve had a different experience, but mine was he really looked after me in my grief, and we had a great time. Great memories.

‘I’m sure that they will do [the investigation] very thoroughly, and the fact that it’s taking quite a long time, is that they’re really going into it to make sure they make the right decision at the end of it.’

Previously, Debbie revealed that Strictly helped her find herself after her husband’s death.

In 2016, Daniels had a fall and it was soon discovered he had an incurable brain tumour and he died less than a month later at the age of 77.

She told Hello! Magazine in 2022: ‘I had the best partner in Giovanni, and I was back in showbusiness again.’

She added: ‘People knew who I was before, but I was still the magician’s assistant.

‘Since Strictly I’ve been Debbie McGee in my own right.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Rob Rinder: ‘It’s my fault people think Rylan is my boyfriend’

MORE : Strictly 2024 star red-faced after nearly ‘letting slip’ partner’s name on live TV

MORE : NTAs 2024 winners and top 7 moments as Strictly triumphs despite scandal