GIOVANNI Pernice is determined to look on the bright side and was all smiles as he stepped out in London for a red carpet appearance.
The Strictly star – who is currently central to a probe at the BBC over his conduct with celeb partners in the rehearsal studio – was all smiles as he cuddled up to girlfriend Molly Brown.
Joking with stars including actress Martha West on the red carpet, Giovanni seemed unfazed and chatty during the event at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square
In a tailored brown suit and black trousers, Giovanni spoke with fans before heading inside arm-in-arm with girlfriend Molly.
Molly has remained by Gio’s side during the investigation, after three of Gio’s nine former celeb partners filed official complaints against him.
Amanda Abbington, who is believed to be spearheading the effort, has come forward today to brand Giovanni ‘nasty’ as she spoke about her experience.
The complaints stemmed from accusations that Giovanni pushed things too far in the rehearsal room to the point Amanda quit last October and was diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder.
Among the claims, sources said Amanda was unhappy with Giovanni’s ‘incredibly brusque’ and ‘militant’ training style.
“Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us,” she told the Daily Mail+.
“You don’t understand how awful this all is,” Amanda added.
“Giovanni’s fans have started trolling me now. I have had to come off social media and I’m getting death threats.”
Last night The Sun on Sunday revealed that, upon reviewing the training room footage, senior BBC execs were so dismayed by his behaviour they insisted he apologise to Amanda.
A source said: “The female executives realised there was a serious problem with Giovanni’s teaching style so installed cameras and a crew member to take notes on a log after about two weeks of them starting training.
“When the women reviewed the footage they were shocked by what they saw and asked Giovanni to apologise for his behaviour.”
A spokesman from the BBC declined to comment, but asked that we refrain from naming the producers.
Last week the BBC said: “We have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show.
“We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality.”
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”.
Giovanni has defended his actions and said in his only statement on the matter: “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!”
