Giovanni Pernice and girlfriend Molly Brown ignore Strictly ‘abuse’ claims as he poses with couple’s new puppy
GIOVANNI Pernice and girlfriend Molly Smith revealed they’ve bought a cute new puppy amid the dancer’s Strictly scandal.
Ignoring the storm surrounding the show and Giovanni’s training methods, Molly took to Instagram to share a snap of her man cuddling the tiny pooch.
The couple have named their pet Pomeranian dog Roxy, and Giovanni gazed at it lovingly as he held it in his hands.
Molly could then be seen stroking the fluffy pooch as it laid in its bed.
The new addition follows the couple’s getaway to Madeira, where they enjoyed a sunny romantic break.
Giovanni is refusing to lie low following allegations of misconduct, and he returned to his own social media account last night to drum up support for a National Television Awards nomination for his travel show with Anton du Beke.
It comes as BBC bosses have begun scouring years of footage featuring Giovanni following complaints from some of his former partners.
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.
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.”
Last week we revealed the Giovanni had quit the hit show after nearly a decade.
A day later we revealed a top legal firm had been contacted by “numerous” celebrities complaining about Giovanni’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 told fans on social media: “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.
“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, winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, Ranvir Singh, Michelle Visage, Faye Tozer, Debbie McGee and Georgia May-Foote.
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”.