Fresh blow for shamed Giovanni Pernice as Strictly star loses big money spin-off
GIOVANNI Pernice has had plans for another series of his BBC travel show axed as pressure grows on the Strictly pro.
Insiders said Giovanni had discussions about where his Adventures With series – with Strictly judge Anton du Beke – could go next but has now been advised they will not get another.
The pair previously visited Giovanni’s native Sicily and Spain for the BBC One shows.
It comes amid mounting pressure on the BBC over Gio’s conduct Strictly – with three high profile female celebrities filing complaints about him.
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.
“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.”
Giovanni, 33, sensationally quit the BBC show last week, just days before The Sun exposed the mounting complaints about him.
A BBC insider said they had still not formally made a decision on the future of the show.
But those close to Gio said he’d been told another series would not be made in the light of the ongoing scandal.
The Sun can also reveal he has changed up his team and has signed up to talent agency Off Limits – who represent Love Island stars including Gemma Owen – in a desperate bid to rebuild his reputation.
A second insider added: “Giovanni is trying to rebuild and save face.
“This is all very damaging to his brand and he has pulled in a new team to try and help him out.
“He was previously looked after by a skilled public relationships expert but their working relationship ended earlier this month.
“Giovanni hopes this new company can help him but it’s not going to be an easy task.”
Last week The Sun revealed how three of Giovanni’s celebrity dance partners logged separate complaints with top legal firm Carter Ruck.
The three complainants have not been named but they are understood to be Amanda Abbington and two other high profile stars.
Earlier this week Korina Travis, 29, a former dance partner of Giovanni’s also lashed out and said: “He has done horrendous things to me.
“I will not speak about my experiences with him but I’m glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is.”
Our insider, who worked with Giovanni on his live tours, also claimed that the parents of one of the cast on his tour in 2018 were so concerned about the duty of care they reached out to speak to the producers.
They added: “With Gio it’s very Jekyll and Hyde, he is either on top form or you are in for a day of hell with him.
“He is a self-confessed perfectionist, and this was inflicted across the cast and crews on the tours, many of whom have very little positives to say about their experiences.”
Giovanni staunchly defended himself following the news of the complaints against him on Strictly.
In a statement, which he posted on Instagram, Giovanni 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.
“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.”
A spokeswoman for £700-an-hour firm Carter Ruck confirmed they were gathering evidence which they would present to the BBC.
She said: “There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering.
“As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage”.
The BBC are also conducting a probe, for serious workplace misconduct, and are going through nine years of rehearsal footage.
Staff have been tasked with combing through footage from back when Giovanni joined Strictly in 2015 until last year – when he was paired with Amanda.
The Sherlock actress said she had PTSD from working with Giovanni on the show.
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”.