STRICTLY Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has distanced herself from show partner Giovanni Pernice amid the investigation into his behaviour behind the scenes.
Rose, 29, and Giovanni, 33, made history in 2021 when she became the first deaf contestant to win the Glitterball.
They formed a strong bond on the programme – and even faced romance rumours – en route to winning the prestigious prize with some jaw-dropping routines.
Their friendship continued after the show, however, Rose is now struggling to process the concerning claims against Gio.
One of the most shocking saw Amanda Abbington, 52, tell pals Giovanni stamped on her in the training room.
A source said: “Rose is finding the whole situation really tough. She had a really great experience with Gio so is really shocked by it all.
“She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won’t be speaking about it publicly.”
A spokesman for Rose declined to comment.
We revealed last night that Giovanni is facing further scrutiny as “at least one or two more celebs” are planning to sue him.
The under fire star fled to Madeira with girlfriend Molly Smith following the news he is leaving Strictly and had adamantly denied any wrongdoing.
The women have all danced with the Italian on the programme and will add their names to the three claimants who are already taking action as part of a Beeb investigation.
The trio includes Laura Whitmore, 39 — Gio’s partner in 2016 — and Abbington, who quit the show in October and was diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder.
A source said: “Numerous celebrities, all former partners of Gio’s, have been in contact with one another behind the scenes.
“Three women that we know of have come forward, and taken things a step further with legal action.
“But Carter Ruck, the prestigious firm acting on behalf of these stars, have quietly been speaking to one or two other potential claimants.
“In other words, more names could come out of the woodwork.
“These are murky, unprecedented waters for both the BBC and Gio; numerous people have spoken out against him, but the allegations are all quite vague.
“Giovanni, however, remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong and will be cleared.
“He’s facing scrutiny like never before and it’ll be an anxious wait over the coming weeks and months.”
The Sun last week revealed Gio had been axed from Strictly.
He said: “I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.”
Out but scandal not over
By Leo McKinstry
STRICTLY star Giovanni Pernice has long been one of the golden boys of the BBC.
Ever since he first graced our screens in 2015, he has been a firm favourite with the show’s fans and the corporation’s management.
With his Latin looks, dazzling moves and charisma, the Sicilian stallion made the ratings soar and viewers swoon.
But now, engulfed by serious complaints about his behaviour towards celebrity partners in the show, he has gone from golden boy to Tin Man.
He denies the claims, saying his methods stem from being a “100 per cent perfectionist”.
Despite this, Gio sensationally quit the show on Friday.
But his departure may not be enough to stop an explosive controversy if it becomes clear that the broadcaster was well aware of the concerns but disregarded them, despite having a duty of care to contestants.
The BBC has now launched an investigation.
But having stood by Gio for so long and apparently even having offered him a new contract, this move smacks of desperate, face-saving cynicism.
For all the corporation’s posturing about equality and zero tolerance of bullying, was the impulse in this saga to protect the BBC’s name rather than oppressed women?
If so, it may prove to be a flawed strategy that could now result in the biggest scandal in the show’s 20-year history
