Strictly Come Dancing’s stars revealed gruelling training before scandal
Strictly Come Dancing stars were feeling the heat ahead of last year's first live show, as they shared an insight into their brutal training regime on social media
The tars of Strictly Come Dancing were on edge before last year’s debut live performance, spilling the beans on their stringent rehearsal timetable. EastEnders’ Bobby Brazier, Les Dennis, Angela Scanlon, and Adam Thomas were among those vying for victory, with Ellie Leach and her dance partner Vito Coppola ultimately taking home the coveted glitterball prize, reports OK!.
However, the series was marred by controversy, notably the revelations that followed Amanda Abbington, accusing her dance pro Giovanni Pernice of bullying and harassment. This week saw the conclusion of a BBC investigation, which cleared him of the most serious accusations but still resulted in an apology to Amanda. Graziano di Prima also faced allegations of abuse from his celebrity counterpart Zara McDermott, which he vehemently denied, before making his own exit from the show.
The celebrity cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 (
PA)
But rewind to the commencement of their gruelling training last year, when celebs began to buckle under the intense regime, with several expressing on social media just how demanding the schedule was. Comedian Eddie Kadi reflected on his Strictly stint as a “humbling experience”.
He took to Instagram saying, “It has been a humbling experience so far! Dancers I respect you! ! ! Grateful for this journey,” and shared a picture featuring his dance footwear. Meanwhile, Zara McDermott unwound post-rehearsal with some wine and dining in the capital. She struck a pose at the dinner table, fresh from a day’s hard work at rehearsals, with a caption stating: “The wine was needed after a long day of Strictly training”.
Ellie Leach showed off her Crocs as she took a break from dancing (
Instagram)
Zara McDermott treated herself to a well deserved glass of wine after another tough day at training (
Instagram)
Eddie Kadi branded Strictly training a ‘humbling experience’ (
Instagram)
Coronation Street’s Ellie gave fans a glimpse into her gruelling dance prep, revealing through Instagram that her feet are feeling the burn. Flashing a photo of her sporting comfy pink Crocs, she confessed, “Crocs need a clean but my feet are thanking me right now,” alongside the weary snap.
On another front, Angela Scanlon beamed with enthusiasm in her behind-the-scenes studio shots, outfitting herself in black shorts and trusty New Balance kicks for yet another intense dance session, documenting her excitement with a mirror selfie moment.
Layton Williams said the training is ‘not for the faint hearted’ (
Instagram)
Adam Thomas also shared an update with fans (
Instagram)
Meanwhile, Adam Thomas and Layton Williams haven’t held back about the demanding nature of Strictly rehearsals. Layton even quipped on his Stories, candid in admitting “Okay so Strictly training is NOT for the faint hearted but OMG it feels so good (my body would disagree lols)” alongside a selfie shades and all.
Former Emmerdale actor Adam didn’t shy away from giving his followers the lowdown, depicting his post-training exhaustion after day one with humour: “Safe to say am not smiling anymore ! ! Haha wow ! ! Day one of training completed! Now travelling home to cry myself to sleep thanks for your lovely messages x night gang x”. As the dance floor heats up, stay tuned for more twists and twirls with Strictly 2024 on Saturday.
