Giovanni Pernice is reportedly suffering another blow, after Strictly Come Dancing bosses are said to have launched an investigation following accusations made about his behaviour.
Speculation surrounding the Italian pro dancer’s future on the show has been swirling for months, with the latest rumours claiming he has departed from the series and would not be returning later this year after allegations by former partners about his alleged behaviour in training.
Giovanni, 33, has defended himself on social media, saying he ‘rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name’, following reports months ago that his former partners Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore, and Ranvir Singh met to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him on the show.
It’s now been said, while the BBC reportedly began an internal probe and is ‘evidence gathering’ after three ex contestants instructed lawyers, that Giovanni – who has now also instructed lawyers to fight the claims – has been served a fresh blow with his travel programme being axed, according to reports.
Insiders have said his Adventures With series, on which he stars alongside Anton Du Beke, will not be returning.
The pro dancer and Strictly judge, 57, have travelled to Sicily and Spain for the BBC series, but a third trip is reportedly not on the cards.
A source said: ‘Giovanni and Anton had conversations about another travel show and had discussed where they could go next after their trips to Sicily and Spain.
‘But Giovanni has now been told this won’t be happening and there will not be another series.’
They continued to The Sun: ‘It’s embarrassing because he’d actively hinted about getting another run but all discussions are off and he’s been told the show is on the scrap heap now.’
The publication however adds that a BBC insider claims a formal decision on the future of the show has not been made, but those close to Giovanni have reportedly said that he’s been told another series would not be made.
It was previously claimed: ‘These are troubled times for the BBC – this is a nightmare situation, frankly.’
A source told The Sun that‘rumblings have been going on for months about allegations surrounding his behaviour but they steadfastly declined to launch any kind of investigation.’
‘It was only when three contestants, all allegedly deeply traumatised and upset by some of his training methods and behaviour, complained that any action was taken.’
The insider also described the three celebs coming forward, who have not been named, as ‘incredibly brave’ for ‘sticking their necks above the parapet.’
Reports over Giovanni’s conduct on Strictly first emerged when there were rumours of a behind-the-scenes feud between him and Amanda Abbington, after she quit the show last year after five weeks, and was later said to be seeking legal advice.
While Amanda has not said much over her exit, citing ‘personal reasons’ at the time, it later emerged that she’d requested video footage of her rehearsals and was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly.
It has since been said that the Mr Selfridge actress would be ‘bruised’ after training with Giovanni – who lifted the glitterball trophy with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 – for the competition.
‘Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio,’ a source said.
‘She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried every avenue to try and make it work.’
In a statement posted on Instagram earlier this week, Giovanni wrote: ‘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.’
He continued: ‘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.
‘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.’
He concluded his message by writing: ‘ Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.’
Metro.co.uk has reached out to the BBC for comment.
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