Strictly's professionals arrive to film the new series promo (2024)

Strictly Come Dancing's professionals were spotted heading to a closed-off studio on Friday, as they finally began filming promotional material for the new series.

Led by the likes of midriff-baring Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas, as well as a beaming Neil Jones, the pro dancers were in good spirits as they ploughed on with work amid the ongoing controversies surrounding the show.

In stark contrast to last year, this year's promo was being filmed behind closed doors, amid claims bosses had hired 'extra security' for rehearsals after concerns were raised by this year's stars.

Strictly has been plunged into chaos in recent weeks as a number of allegations of abuse from professionals have come to light.

The scandal erupted when actress Amanda Abbington quit the show last year before claiming that her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive towards her - later leaving the show.

Soon after it emerged that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked for 'kicking' his partner Love Island star Zara McDermott.

There has since been a number of accusations against pro dancers old and new, leaving a dark cloud over the much-loved show on what is its 20th anniversary.

However, despite the furore, it was business as usual for the dancers as they made their way into the building.

While Lauren showed off her toned torso in a white crop top and low-slung black joggers, Michelle followed suit, opting for a black crop top, and denim shorts with a plaid shirt wrapped around her waist.

Meanwhile, newly-single Kai Waddington stood out in a bright blue suit and matching trainers.

Not one to be outdone, Johannes Radebe also caught the eye in his ensemble, opting for a neon pink string vest and orange trousers.

Jowita Pryzstal meanwhile highlighted her toned figure in a form-fitting black unitard, while other pros in attendance included Nikita Kuzmin and the newly-returnedAljaž Škorjanec.

Also pictured outside the studio was Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, who was seen smoking a cigarette with a colleague as she took a break from work.

It is thought there was heightened security at the studios, which could be due to the reported security scare last month in which an intruder 'scaled the wall'.

It comes as Laura Whitmoreaccused BBC bosses of 'gaslighting' her over her Strictly Come Dancing experience with Giovanni Pernice.

The TV presenter, 39, who was partnered with the Italian dancer, 33, on the show in 2016, recentlyconfirmed she'd spoken to the show about Giovanni's 'inappropriate behaviour', following her claims that she initially raised concerns to the BBC six years ago.

And in a dramatic new statement, the star has shed more light on her Strictly experience, telling how it's 'all coming out now' amid the flurry of accusations against the show and its professional dancers.

Also pictured outside the studio was Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, who was seen smoking a cigarette with a colleague as she took a break from work.

Speaking to The Irish Post, Laura told how she believes that the industry has changed for women since she found fame, noting that women are 'louder' and are now 'pulling people up on things.'

She added of her Strictly situation:'The stuff I'm not going to talk to you about now, because it's under review, that's all coming out now, the stuff I tried to speak about eight years ago.

When asked if she wasn't 'listened to' when she first raised her complaints, she shared: 'Or [I was] gaslit to make it seem normalised.'

Laura went on to add: 'It's a shame that it has to come out in such a victim-shaming way, which it always does. And being the first person to speak up about anything is always hard.'

MailOnline have contacted Strictly Come Dancing representatives, who declined to comment.

The presenter's words comes days after she broke her silence over the Strictly scandal and confirmed she'd spoken to BBC bosses about Giovanni's behaviour.

Although she hasn't made a formal complaint, Laura hopes to get 'just an acceptance' of what happened to her in the rehearsals room.

Laura admitted she has discussed with six former Strictly stars about their time on the show and took their information to the BBC.

On an Instagram post, Laura wrote: 'I was trying not to comment on recent press speculation until the BBC review is complete but feel there is a lot of misinformation in the press and I want to help and show support by setting the record straight.

'I was asked to speak to the BBC along with six people that I know of (who deserve anonymity as they don't want to be dragged through the press), about inappropriate behaviour they experienced similar to mine with the same individual.

'I initially raised concerns back in 2016. I thought my experience was specific to me but I've since learned I was wrong.

'The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop. My evidence is to support other people's experience. It's a shame it takes this for someone to be heard.

'I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won't happen to anyone else again.

'Because I have not made an official complaint, and am providing evidence of my experience to support the investigation, not all the communication will be passed on to all parties involved.

'Misinformation is being put into the press so I want to set the record straight. Victim blaming must stop or we will never get better.

'I've tried to speak up in the correct way. I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up.'