GIOVANNI Pernice appeared to snub his Strictly rival in an unearthed clip as the star comes under fire amid allegations of ‘abuse’ from previous celebrity partners.
The Italian dancer walked away from the BBC show earlier this month amid his former celebrity co-stars gearing up to take legal action against him.
It has seen many of his current co-stars snub him as they failed to speak up in support or publicly reach out to the crisis-hit star.
Now, in an unearthed clip, Giovanni appeared to snub show rival Vito Coppola months before the current scandal.
Last year, Vito took home the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside Coronation Street star Ellie Leach.
When show hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman crowned Ellie and Vito as the champs, their co-stars rushed onto the dancefloor in a bid to celebrate with them.
However, it appears that Giovanni opted out of joining in the celebrations as the star failed to appear on-screen.
He could not be spotted among the pack as they jolted Vito into the air to mark his epic win.
In the wake of Giovanni’s current scandal, both Ellie and Vito opted to unfollow him online sparking even more rumours of a feud.
Vito also appeared to offer another swipe at Giovanni just days ago as it appears that the pair have been secretly on less than freidnly terms for months.
He and Graziano, 30, took to Instagram to share an apparent dig at him.
They’re currently on tour with some of the other Strictly pros and shared a clip of them enjoying the sunshine in Blackpool.
Vito said: “It’s so sunny everyone, we are so happy because it brings us to our Italian weather.”
They added: “#TheItalians.”
Graziano’s post could be seen as a swipe at Gio given he is a fellow Italian and is going through a hard time right now.
It also appeared that they were willingly excluding him with their choice of wording.
Celebrities including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington have come forward to make allegations about Gio, claiming they were left “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
In a statement on social media, Gio addressed the claims and 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 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”.