STRICTLY Come Dancing judges have gone silent on Giovanni Pernice as he faces a probe by the BBC over his training practices.
The Italian dance pro is facing backlash after three of his former Strictly partners came forward to launch official complaints about him and his conduct in the rehearsal studio.
Giovanni later posted a statement hitting back against the accusations, vowing to clear his name.
The message, which was posted on Instagram, read: “To my dear 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,” he added.
“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.”
He signed off: “Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
While fans have flocked to his defence, as well as show make-up artist Lisa Armstrong and former contestant Jamie Laing‘liking’ the message in a show of silent support, judges and other pros have failed to do so.
At the time of writing, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas are yet to recognise the message at all.
Particularly shocking is Anton’s silence, given the pair have a close working relationship away from Strictly, including doing travel shows together.
The battle comes as former celebrity partners – including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington– came forward to make formal complaints about Gio, 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 has quit the upcoming series of Strictly ahead of rumours circulating this week, and is now on holiday with his girlfriend outside of the UK following the news breaking.
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 told The Sun.
“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.
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.
