Strictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Oakley has issued a heartfelt and desperate plea to fans, urging them to reconsider posting cruel comments on social media in the wake of the BBC show's finale. The 34-year-old dancer stressed the devastating impact that online abuse can have, revealing that a single remark has the power to ruin someone's entire day.
A Plea for Compassion Amid Online Cruelty
Taking to her social media platform, Lauren Oakley explained she was motivated by genuine concern, not a desire for attention or replies. She turned off the comments on her post to underline this point. In her message, she wrote that while people often avoid discussing online abuse to avoid giving trolls 'what they want', the consequences are very real.
'You have no idea where someone is emotionally and mentally,' she implored her followers. 'Please, please think before you type.' Her intervention highlights the often-overlooked human cost of the harsh criticism directed at celebrities and reality TV contestants, particularly after high-profile eliminations.
Controversial Exit and Fan Backlash
Lauren's plea follows her own controversial departure from the 2024 series of Strictly. She was eliminated in week five with her celebrity partner, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53. The exit sparked significant viewer anger, as Jimmy had achieved his highest score of the competition that week but still lost the dance-off to Amber Davies.
Amber's own participation had been subject to controversy due to her previous dance training. Fans quickly flooded social media with claims that Jimmy had been 'robbed', using hashtags like #JusticeForJimmy. Many expressed disappointment, believing the ex-footballer had untapped potential and could have progressed much further in the competition.
Giovanni Pernice's Potential Return to the Fold
This story emerges as another Strictly professional, Giovanni Pernice, 35, is reportedly set to reunite with former co-stars. Giovanni's 'world collapsed' in 2024 following bullying allegations made by his celebrity partner, actress Amanda Abbington, 50, which prompted a BBC internal investigation and led to his departure from the show.
Despite the serious allegations, which Giovanni has consistently denied—stating he is a 'strict teacher' but not a bully—he could now join a luxury Strictly-themed weekend. The event, scheduled for July at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort Hotel in Newport, is not affiliated with the BBC but has previously featured stars like Anton Du Beke.
The advertised 'Strictly Spectacular' promises attendees seven hours of dance lessons and intimate performances. Participation doesn't require prior experience but does command a minimum fee of £699 per person. While BBC contracts usually restrict such external work linked to its shows, an exception is believed to have been made for the professionals involved.
Reflecting on the past year, Giovanni described feeling abandoned after the allegations surfaced, saying his 'world collapsed'. However, he has since rebuilt his career, winning the Italian version of Strictly in 2025 and exploring acting and singing, alongside launching his own dance classes.
