New Strictly feud ‘revealed’ as two more show stars snub Giovanni amid ‘abuse’ claims
ANOTHER Strictly Come Dancing feud has been revealed as Giovanni Pernice faces investigation over claims of ‘abuse’.
The Italian pro dancer has come under fire after three of his former celebrity dance partners came together to launch legal action against his conduct on the BBC show.
The claims have created tension in the Strictly Come Dancing world with many of Giovanni’s former co-stars remaining tight-lipped and refusing to speak on the allegations.
However, some have already begun to make their feelings clear with reigning champ Vito Coppola and former show pro Kevin Clifton having unfollowed the star online.
Now, TWO MORE stars have also followed suit in a bid to distance themselves from the embattled pro.
Vito’s celeb partner, Coronation Street and Drama Queens star Ellie Leach has opted to hit the unfollow button on Gio since he posted a statement on Instagram to refute any allegations of “threatening and abusive” behaviour.
Similarly, Ellie Simmonds has also chosen to cut ties with the star as the heat continues to grow.
Few have come out in support of Gio with some fans speculating that current stars have had their hands tied when it comes to making their feelings known as a result of the Beeb’s strict impartiality rules.
Despite this, The Sun revealed yesterday that Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has distanced herself from show partner Giovanni amid the investigation.
Rose, 29, and Giovanni made history in 2021 when she became the first deaf contestant to win the Glitterball.
A source said: “Rose is finding the whole situation really tough. She had a really great experience with Gio so is really shocked by it all.
“She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won’t be speaking about it publicly.”
Three of Gio’s former celebrity partners – including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington – have come forward to make formal complaints about the Italian dancer, claiming they were left “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
It’s since been claimed others may join them as the investigation continues, with the third partner who’s come forward not named.
Gio quit the upcoming series of Strictly ahead of the damning claims made against him.
In his statement on social media, he 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 flees 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”.