GIOVANNI Pernice is determined to clear his name after a string of allegations from former dance partners.
The under-fire dancer, 33, quit Strictly Come Dancing this month amid the claims – but now plans to fight back and has hired top lawyers to help.
Gio, who was spotted leaving his home today laden with bags, has recruited defamation big hitters Schillings to fight his corner against his accusers’ legal rivals Carter Ruck
Sources close to Gio said: “Giovanni remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong bar being a perfectionist, and a hard taskmaster.
“He wants to hear what allegations these claimants have against him but is adamant he will clear his name.
“The only substantive claim against him to date is that he stomped on someone’s foot — he believes this is an occupational hazard and he’s done nothing intentionally wrong.
“He’s come out all guns blazing so it’ll be fascinating to see what evidence the other camp have.”
They added: “But Carter Ruck wouldn’t have taken on this case if they didn’t believe any wrongdoing was involved.
“Whatever happens, the BBC is under huge pressure to ensure this mess never, ever happens again if the show is to remain on air in its current form.”
In a statement, a spokesman for Giovanni confirmed Schillings, which, apart from the royals, has represented JK Rowling, Brad Pitt, Naomi Campbell and Liz Hurley, is acting for him. The statement also confirmed for the first time the BBC was investigating.
The spokesman for Giovanni said: “Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.
“As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.”
The claims against Giovanni, 33, is the biggest scandal to rock Strictly in its 20-year history.
Last week The Sun revealed Giovanni had quit the show after nine successful years on the programme.
At least three women – Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and one, as yet, unnamed partner – have employed Carter Ruck to make their case heard.
Sherlock actress Amanda, who quit last year’s series early, said she had mild PTSD from working with him on the show.
The 10 big questions Strictly bosses must answer about Giovanni Pernice ‘bullying’ scandal
1. Will you publicly confirm you are investigating the behaviour of Giovanni while working on Strictly? If not, why not?
2. Who is conducting the inquiry — is it an internal Strictly team or an external person/team/body?
3. Why wasn’t an investigation launched sooner, given Amanda first made the allegations publicly months ago?
4. Did you tell Giovanni he couldn’t return to Strictly during any probe? Is this why he quit?
5. Will you interview Giovanni in person, and give him the chance to respond in full to all the allegations against him?
6. If he is deemed to have behaved inappropriately, will you bar him from appearing on Strictly again?
7. Have you asked other ex-partners of Gio to talk? If so, how many, and when did you ask them?
8. Will you be working with him on other productions while any investigation happens?
9. Have any other women approached you from outside of the Strictly sphere with complaints about Gio?
10. Were any enquiries made after other contestants spoke out about struggling with him as a partner? If not, why not?
Earlier this week Giovanni staunchly defended himself following the news of the complaints against him on Strictly.
In a statement, which he posted on Instagram, Giovanni said: “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. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.”
In a further blow The Sun revealed yesterday his Adventures With series – with judge Anton du Beke – has been axed.
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 leaves 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”.