Panicked BBC bosses scour 9 years of Giovanni Pernice training footage as they brace themselves for more complaints
PANICKED BBC bosses are scouring years of footage featuring Giovanni Pernice as the scandal engulfing Strictly Come Dancing grows.
Corporation chiefs have instructed producers to look back on hundreds of hours’ worth of his training sessions as they brace themselves for more complaints.
Meanwhile Amanda Abbington — one of those who has filed complaints against the 33-year-old Sicilian — has vowed to leave “nothing unsaid” in her meeting with investigators this week.
Last night an insider said: “Amanda believes she has a duty to ensure the truth comes out.
“There’s a suggestion this is all about Giovanni simply being a strict trainer and someone who pushes people too hard. It’s about a lot more than that.
“Meanwhile the BBC who have, until now, dragged their heels on this developing story, are duty-bound to investigate the matter fully to get to the bottom of these complaints.
“Archive footage through the years is being examined so that a full and frank verdict can be reached.”
It comes after The Sun revealed the controversial dancer had quit the show.
A day later we revealed a top legal firm had been contacted by “numerous” celebrities, formally complaining about the dancer’s “toxic” training methods.
Presenter Laura Whitmore is one of the complainants and at least one other star has lodged a formal complaint with the BBC.
Until last month the BBC had steadfastly refused to look into allegations of “taskmaster” behaviour from their star dancer.
It has not officially commented on the recent allegations but a spokeswoman for Carter Ruck said the BBC was in the process of “evidence gathering”.
Several stars over the years have claimed they found Giovanni difficult to work with, leaving many in tears.
However, Giovanni has vehemently denied any suggestion of bullying.
The pro, currently on holiday with his girlfriend Molly Brown in Madeira, 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.
I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name
Giovanni
“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.
“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.”
Sherlock actress Amanda has previously said she was left with mild PTSD after competing on the Saturday night series, which she quit early on medical grounds.
As well as Amanda and Laura, Giovanni’s previous partners on the show were Richie Anderson, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Ranvir Singh, Michelle Visage, Faye Tozer, Debbie McGee and Georgia May-Foote.
Last night a BBC spokesman declined to comment.