STRICTLY insiders claim fame has “changed” Giovanni Pernice while his family “won’t hear a bad word against him”.
Under fire Giovanni, 33, is being investigated by the BBC after at least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him.
Celebrities including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington have come forward to make allegations about the Italian dancer, claiming they were left “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
But sources say his family insist Gio was ” just doing his job”, adding: “‘They are the typical Italian family and stick together through thick and thin, they are his biggest fans and they will not have a bad word said about him.”
His sister Angela took a jokey swipe at him last year when he returned to Italy for her wedding.
They were seen hugging on the dancefloor in a snap on social media, and she wrote: “That pain in the a**e has become a man – a wonderful man. I love you my little brother. You are my life.”
While family members only have good things to say about Gio, Strictly insiders claim he is not the same person who joined the show almost a decade ago.
A source told the Daily Mail: “Giovanni is not the same person who arrived in the UK in 2015.
“As the show has gone on, and he has become more successful, speaking frankly, he is not as nice as he was.”
He’s one of the show’s most popular professionals and Gio is definitely as successful off of the dancefloor.
Away from Strictly he and judge Anton Du Beke have their own TV show, Adventures in Spain.
They’re also touring the UK together currently in their very own stage show.
The insider continued: “Gio doesn’t appear to have many friends. It is perhaps telling that his best friend is Anton.
“But he is exceptionally close to his family. They are huge support to him. He is the golden boy of the family, always has been and always will be.”
Gio quit the upcoming series of Strictly ahead of the damning claims made against him.
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!”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024:Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He flees the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.