Strictly Come Dancing in Crisis: Nick Knowles Injury Deals Blow to Ratings

The departure of Nick Knowles from Strictly Come Dancing due to injury has sent shockwaves through the BBC show, with bookmakers placing former professional footballer Paul Merson as the likely replacement. The show is also facing allegations of bullying from actress Amanda Abbington, who has made a series of claims against her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

Key Takeaways:

• Nick Knowles departed Strictly Come Dancing due to injury, with bookmakers placing odds of 4/1 on Paul Merson to leave the show as a result.
• Knowles injured his shoulder and then re-injured his knee during rehearsals, forcing him to undergo an MRI scan and take a bye for the weekend.
• Despite determination to continue, medics advised Knowles to take time to recover, sparking concerns for the show's ratings.
• Strictly Come Dancing has faced allegations of bullying, with actress Amanda Abbington making claims against former dance partner Giovanni Pernice, including a credible death threat and a bomb threat sent to her workplace.
• The BBC acknowledged six out of 17 allegations made against Giovanni Pernice, and has apologized to Abbington for the incidents.
• The show is marking its 20th anniversary, with Abbington stating that the number of threats she has received over the last eight months has "gone into the hundreds".

Statistics:

• Odds of 4/1 for Paul Merson to leave the show (Grosvenor Sport)
• 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing
• 17 allegations made against Giovanni Pernice, with six acknowledged by the BBC
• Number of threats received by Amanda Abbington over the last eight months: "hundreds"
• 6 out of 17 allegations acknowledged by the BBC
• Number of times Abbington has reported threats: "multiple times" (physically present)

Sources:

• Grosvenor Sport
• The Mirror
• Strictly Come Dancing (BBC statement)
• Newsnight (BBC) - interview with Amanda Abbington