FORMER Strictly Come Dancing competitor Jamie Laing has seemingly backed Giovanni Pernice in a silent show of support.
Strictly pro Gio is currently facing a probe into his behaviour in the rehearsal studio, with at least three former partners launching official complaints against him.
Gio has adamantly denied the claims in a statement released on Instagram, stating in part that he “rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and looked forward to clearing his name.”
While fans have flocked to support Giovanni, other Strictly stars have remained silent, with few exceptions.
Among those liking the post is Lisa Armstrong, a make-up artist on Strictly and Ant McPartlin’s ex-wife, and now Jamie Laing as well.
Jamie appeared briefly in 2017 but was forced to withdraw from injury during the launch show, returning the following year to compete in the full series.
He was partnered with Karen Hauer, and made it to the finals during the 2018 season before being beaten by Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse.
This week, it emerged three former celebrity partners – including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington – have come forward to make formal complaints about Italian dancer Gio, claiming they were left “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
Amanda quit the series on medical grounds in October last year, but sources said ahead of her exit she would be left ‘bruised’.
A source told The Sun On Sunday: “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.”
As the investigation gets underway at the BBC, Giovanni has stepped away from the series.
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
However, he has adamantly denied any wrongdoing on his part.
In his public statement, Giovanni said: “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!”
