UNDER-FIRE Strictly star Giovanni Pernice appears to be making a surprise career move after quitting the BBC dance show.
Giovanni, 33, is being investigated by the BBC after at least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him.
The Strictly dancer denied the claims in a statement, stating that he “rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and looked forward to clearing his name”.
However, the Italian star seems to have ‘secretly’ laid the foundations for his new career move a month before his controversial exit.
Giovanni has set up two companies in recent weeks, including Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House, according to the Mail.
It suggests that he plans to set up a dance school academy, similar to former Strictly pros like Kevin Clifton and Oti Mabuse.
Giovanni will be teaming up with Paul Irving, who produced his and other Strictly stars’ tours.
He is also the founder of The Strictly Foundation, which helps raise money for young talent in the stage schools.
The publication reports that Giovanni has a second firm called GP Ballando – which is classed as a “cultural education” type business.
GIO’S OTHER VENTURES
This is not the first time that Giovanni has tried to cash in on other ventures after he set up his own beauty and cosmetic brand GP Vita.
He brought out a range of fragrances for men and women for around £60 a bottle.
The ballroom star has also taken time away from the dancefloor to appear on the big screen which could lead to more Hollywood roles.
Giovanni is set for his acting debut in the upcoming film Man & Witch, where he will appear alongside Back to the Future legend Christopher Lloyd, who played the Doc in the hit 80s franchise.
Also starring in the new film are Sean Astin (Goonies, Lord of the Rings), Tami Stronach from The NeverEnding Story and Lost’s Michael Emerson.
Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive
Giovanni Pernice
A synopsis for the film describes it as: “A heartwarming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the 80s and a comic adventure that both fulfils and subverts the expectations of what a fantasy universe can be.”
Meanwhile, Giovanni had also landed a travel show with judge Anton Du Beke, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily.
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
Another series was understood to have been commissioned.
STRICTLY DRAMA
Three of Gio’s 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 quit the upcoming series of Strictly ahead of the damning claims made against him.
No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me
Giovanni Pernice
In his statement on social media, 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!”
