GIOVANNI Pernice has hit back at claims he stamped on Amanda Abbington’s foot during Strictly rehearsals.
The dancer has been accused of “toxic” training methods on the BBC hit show – with investigations now underway.
Gio, who quit the series ahead of rumours circulating this week, has since denied all allegations against him in a bid to “clear my name”.
Rubbishing the claims on Instagram, he wrote: “To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
“No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
“Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
It come’s after actress and former contestant Amanda, 52, told pals during her time on the show she felt Gio was “abrasive” in rehearsals.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Giovanni had a tough training method. Amanda would be bruised.”
“Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio.
“She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down.
“She tried every avenue to try and make it work.
“There would be crisis talks every Friday after producers watched back the video footage of their rehearsals but it would always end up toxic again by the end of the following week.
“Runners would check in on the training weekly and she would regularly be seen crying and feeling very sad and despondent.
“She desperately wanted it to work but invariably it would break down. An urgent medical condition eventually allowed her to quit.”
Sherlock star Amanda reported alleged misbehaviour around the time she left the show in October, and Gio, 33, was spoken to by a duty-of-care counsellor.
The actress later asked to see video of rehearsals.
A source said the BBC responded to Amanda’s request for footage and transcripts in January.
An executive explained they did not keep transcripts, and the footage would need to be reviewed and may not be disclosed as it could infringe the data protection rights of others.
But Amanda was offered access to daily production logs.
This week she is due to meet Beeb investigators to discuss possible workplace misconduct.
Gio will also speak to the probe.
On Friday, The Sun told how at least three former dance partners had raised complaints to London-based legal firm Carter-Ruck, which in turn wrote to the BBC.
One is TV’s Laura Whitmore, Gio’s partner in 2016, who will talk to the BBC investigation in person in the next few weeks.
Giovanni's statement in full
“Dear my fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
“Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
“No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
“I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.
“Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.”