STRICTLY’s cast has spoken out for the first time about the summer’s bullying scandal – making it clear that the investigation didn’t cause them “to think twice” about signing up for the show.

The class of 2024 even hit back at claims that bosses struggled to attract women into the new series.

More men than women signed up this year following the sacking of Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice, who were central to the inquiry.

Olympics legend Sam Quek told The Sun: “Not many women? There’s six of us!”

Former Team GB Hockey player Sam insisted she had no hesitation in joining after Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington quit midway last year, and Love Island star Zara McDermott was kicked and harassed during rehearsal.

She said: “I didn’t even think twice about doing it, to have a TV show last this long, that doesn’t just happen it has to be a good product.

“People still love Strictly. It’s like a relationship, you can’t just cancel a relationship because you have a bad experience along the way.
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“I mean why would you not say yes?”

TV doctor Punam Krishnan agreed, and chimed: “None of it at all has made me think twice.”

And singer and actress Toyah Willcox shared her perspective, explaining the controversy made her more commited to pushing herself.

She said: “It made me take what’s coming very seriously, because what’s happened in the last year is because this show is 100 per cent committed to dance.

“You’ve got to go beyond your own personal comfort zone and that’s always been very obvious.

“So I know for me, with what’s been going on this year, I’ve been thinking, well can I push myself beyond my own limitations? And for me it’s now or never. That made me commit to the show.”

Meanwhile, Nick Knowles took a more measured approach.

He said: “It’s a very straightforward answer, and I think it’s true for all of us, we’re all starting our journey now and we can only speak from what we’re encountering now.

“Everything’s in place, both mentally and physically, to look after us. You’ve got physios to make sure we’re physically OK. You’ve got people to talk to if we feel bad about that.

“But historically, it’s great that people are being listened to.”

The BBC has spent three months investigating claims that Giovanni was “abusive” towards his former dance partner Amanda Abbington which he denied.

Sources also claimed the results will be revealed in a short statement in a bid to prevent legal repercussions further down the line.

It comes as the professional dancers have already returned to rehearsals ahead of the 20th series.

And just six women signed up to the new series.

In contrast nine men are taking part while in most years it has been roughly a 50/50 split between the sexes.

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Strictly 2024 star Sam Quek rubbished claims the show suffered a recruitment crisis this year
Credit: PA
Dr Punam Krishnan also hit back at fears the show struggled to attract women this year
Credit: PA
Toyah Wilcox said the bullying probe has made her more commited to pushing herself
Credit: BBC
The cast of 2024 have taken part in pre-show interviews
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima looked friendly for the cameras but behind-the-scenes was a different story
Credit: Instagram
An investigation into Giovanni Pernice sparked a flood of ex Strictly stars speaking out
Credit: BBC
Actress Amanda Abbington accused him of bullying which he denied
Credit: Rex