Strictly Come Dancing’s Lauren Oakley has taken to social media to issue a desperate plea to fans after ‘ruinous’ comments in the wake of the BBC finale.
The professional dancer, 34, urged viewers to think twice before attacking those participating in the show on social media – admitting that cruel comments have the ability to ruin a person’s day.
She stressed that she was making the plea out of genuine concern and ‘not posting for replies or attention.’
She wrote: ‘We just don’t talk about it enough so that we “don’t give them what they want” – but one comment online can really ruin your whole day.
‘You have no idea where someone is emotionally and mentally. Please, please think before you type.’
Stressing her point that the post was not made out of anything but genuine concern, Lauren turned off the comments.
This year, Lauren was booted from Strictly with her footballer partner Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, in week five of the show.
The elimination proved controversial amongst viewers as Jimmy achieved his best score that week, but lost the dance-off to Amber Davies, whose participation in the show was subject to controversy because of her previous dancing experience.
Fans wrote: ‘Jimmy was robbed #JusticeForJimmy #Strictly.’;
I was genuinely excited to see where Jimmy could go on his #Strictly journey. To have it end so prematurely is devastating. I think there was a possibility he could get to QF, SF or even the final. He had so much growth still in him. So angry. Robbed.’
It comes as Strictly Giovanni Pernice is reportedly set to reunite with his co-stars after his ‘world collapsed’ in 2024 amid bullying allegations on Strictly.
Following the allegations, which prompted an internal investigation at the BBC, the professional dancer, 35, who still holds the record for the most 10s ever awarded on the show, left.
Now, as reported by the Mirror, he could be about to reunite with the likes of Anton Du Beke, Aljaž Škorjanec, Janette Manrara, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley and Karen Hauer for a special Strictly event, based on the lineup from previous years.
The luxury dancing weekend, which is not affiliated with the BBC, is set to take place at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort Hotel in Newport this July.
According to the website, the Strictly spectacular will include seven hours of dancing lessons over the weekend as well as intimate performances from Strictly stars.
Those keen to take part in the experience do not have to have any prior dancing experience, but they must be willing to fork out a minimum of £699 per person for the weekend if they want to take part.
While BBC stars are typically not allowed to undertake work outside the broadcaster that’s linked to its shows, it is believed that the pros have had an exception made.
The advert promises ‘three days of spectacular dance showcases as the Stars perform up close & personal for a truly intimate experience unlike any other – learn to dance with them, plus hear all about their fabulous journeys.’
It adds: ‘Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or simply love the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, this weekend offers something magical for everyone.
‘From watching dazzling live performances to learning from the best in the world, you’ll be swept away by the magic of Strictly.’
Discussing his dramatic departure from the show, which was triggered by allegations from his dance partner actress Amanda Abbington, 50, who accused him of bullying, he said that he ‘felt like the world collapsed’.
He said: ‘I felt like the world collapsed… I didn’t have anybody around me. All the people that were supposed to be my friend disappeared. Nobody wanted to see me, they were like “oh you can’t be with him.”‘
Reflecting on what his life was like prior to the scandal, the dancer said: ‘I was untouchable, was a superhero… but fate did have different plans for me.’
The dancer admitted that while he was a ‘strict teacher’, he insisted at the end of 2024 that he is not a bully.
He said: ‘Bully is a big word and there’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do.
‘I’m glad 11 allegations have been thrown out. At the beginning there were very serious allegations, for instance threatening her or abusing her, and all of this has been taken out. I’m a strict teacher. I said it myself. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.’
Giovanni has had a busy year since leaving Strictly and gone on to win the Italian equivalent of the show in 2025 as well as pursing new opportunities in the worlds of acting and singing.
As well as this, he has launched his own dance classes, which could well have provided him with even more experience for the upcoming dance weekend next summer.