STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have rushed to Giovanni Pernice’s defence amid a probe over his behaviour in the rehearsal room.
Three former celebrity partners – including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington– have come forward to make formal complaints about the Italian dancer, claiming they were left “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
It’s since been claimed others may join them as the investigation continues, with the third partner who’s come forward not named.
Gio, who quit the upcoming series of Strictly ahead of rumours circulating this week, has since denied all allegations against him in a bid to “clear his 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,” he continued. “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!”
Fans have flocked to the statement to give their support to Gio, with others slamming his past competition partners for not speaking out in his defence.
“I would like to see more of the other pros, judges and former partners coming out and publicly sticking up for you,” wrote one fan. “I know Michelle [Visage], Debbie [McGee] and Shirley [Ballas] have in the past but where is everyone else?”
“I hope your fellow dancers are backing you. Your dance with Rose was so beautiful it made me cry x,” said a second.
However, some fans hit back on the claims, with one explaining: “just because they haven’t publicly come out to support him, that doesn’t mean they haven’t. I’m sure he has the backing of most, if not all the pro dancers.”
Others believe the stars may be keeping quiet for the sake of the investigation.
A source told The Sun: “These are troubled times for the BBC.
“This is a nightmare situation, frankly.
“Rumblings have been going on for months about his behaviour but they steadfastly declined to launch any investigation.
“It was only when at least three contestants, all deeply traumatised and upset by some of his training methods and behaviour, complained that any action was taken.
“The huge fear is that more dirt will emerge, and the BBC will have been seen to proverbially stick its fingers in its ears, wilfully ignoring what was something of an open secret on and off set.
“That being said, once the first complaint rolled in, the Beeb acted swiftly and professionally, and immediately began to ask questions.
“The matter is ongoing but if they are seen to have covered up or excused any bad behaviour, questions will be asked.”
Giovanni's Strictly Partnerships and Rankings
Giovanni has created some memorable moments on the show - landing in the finale four times and winning once. Here are all his partners and how well they performed in the competition
2015 – Georgia May Foote: placed 2nd
2016 – Laura Whitmore: placed 9th
2017 – Debbie McGee: placed 2nd
2018 – Faye Tozer: played 2nd
2019 – Michelle Visage: placed 7th
2020 – Ranvir Singh: placing 5th
2021 – Rose Ayling-Ellis: winning series
2022 – Richie Anderson: placing 14th
2023 – Amanda Abbington: withdrew due to injury
Sherlock star Amanda reported alleged misbehaviour around the time she left the show in October last year, and Gio, 33, was spoken to by a duty-of-care counsellor.
“She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down,” a source explained.
“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.”
It is believed all of Gio’s former dance partners have been approached for comment on the investigation.
Giovanni is currently holidaying abroad whilst the undertakings are ongoing.
