STRICTLY Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has revealed he’s teamed up with a former Strictly co-star during his BBC conduct investigation.
Giovanni, 33, and Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington are working together on a live show after Gio quit the competition.
Giovanni shared a photo on Instagram of a laptop with the details of their event that will take place in July.
Kai, his girlfriend and fellow dance pro Nadiya Bychokova were also recently pictured with Giovanni during a rehearsal break.
Strictly judge Anton Du Beke joined the group, also appearing in good spirits.
As well as Anton, Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas has ‘broken ranks’ to support Gio by teaming up with him for the tour.
The professional dancer was recently branded ‘nasty’ by Amanda Abbington after she accused him of being ‘toxic’ with celebrity dance partners.
The BBC has launched an internal investigation after receiving complaints from his previous dance partners, including TV presenter Laura Whitmore and actress Amanda Abbington, who are being represented by lawyers.
Giovanni has denied any wrongdoing and has quit the show in response to the accusations.
Friends have stepped forward to support Giovanni after he was accused of abusive and threatening behaviour.
Former Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff, who’d worked alongside Giovanni in the past came to his defence.
In an interview with Closer, she said: “I’m quite frankly stunned by the whole scandal. It’s definitely not like the Gio that I know.
“Gio’s a really nice, friendly guy. I’ve danced with him and known him for around seven years. He’s never been a nightmare in any of our group rehearsals, just a hard-working professional.
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”.
“Gio does not try to please and he’s very driven by winning, like so many of the dancers. I was like that too! You’re there to do a job at the end of the day.”
Anton has also continued to vouch for Giovanni after the two of them worked together on several tours, with another planned for the summer.
In April, Strictly judge Anton shared an advert for their Anton & Giovanni Together live tour.
Debbie McGee, who was partnered with Giovanni in 2017 has also remained friends on social media.
Shortly after Amanda claimed that she had suffered from PTSD after her time with Giovanni, Debbie shared a snap of her with the dancer.
“Happy memories. Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly,” she wrote in the caption.
Giovanni commented: “Love you… thank you,” alongside a string of red heart emojis.
Fellow Strictly dancer Lauren Oakley, 33, is also working on Giovanni’s collaboration show with Anton this summer, with many fans worried that her support for him would put her Strictly spot in jeopardy.
In January 2024, it emerged that Amanda allegedly told pals that her tense relationship with Giovanni during her time on Strictly had left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
She left the show citing personal reasons for her shock exit, but has since spoken out against Giovanni.
The Sun revealed that the Sherlock actress had demanded footage of her rehearsals with partner Giovanni and was seeking legal advice.
A pal said: “Amanda has been left broken and saddened by the whole experience.
“She has needed therapy and was left in shock by the behaviour she was exposed to.”
In 2020, his former dance partner, GMB’s Ranvir Singh, complained to bosses about the star as well, while former Steps singer Faye Tozer is understood to have clashed with him.
Giovanni’s 2016 partner Laura Whitmore also previously claimed that her time with him reduced her to tears.
In March 2024, The Sun revealed that Amanda, Laura and Ranvir had met up to discuss the experiences with Giovanni.
The Sun also revealed how at least two of Gio’s dance partners accused him of “brutal” training methods that left them “black and blue”.
They claim to have photographic evidence of their injuries, which allegedly go beyond the “occupational hazards” of dancing, which Gio’s friends have cited.
Sherlock actress Amanda told pals her foot was bruised after being stamped on in training with Giovanni.
As part of the investigation, the Strictly team will review footage from the rehearsal room to recognise any issues the celebs may have had.
However, sources claim it was Gio in 2023 that requested all rehearsals be filmed in their entirety, after he became worried Amanda’s behaviour could cause him trouble.
The BBC is also approaching all of Giovanni’s former dance partners.
Giovanni is believed to have hired a top team of lawyers to prove his innocence.
In his only statement, made after the BBC probe came to light, he said: “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!”
