Strictly ‘struggling to sign female celebrities amid Giovanni Pernice row’
STRICTLY Come Dancing is struggling to sign female celebrities as Giovanni Pernice is investigated, according to a report.
It comes as The Sun revealed Strictly’s future is under threat as the BBC show faces its biggest crisis in its glittering 20-year history.
The Beeb has been forced to investigate multiple complaints around Giovanni following the latest series in which he danced with Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, 52.
The Sun lifted the lid on allegations being launched at the pro dancer and some of his former celebrity partners.
Gio is also compiling his own rival dossiers amid a full-on legal war — and will hand it over to the BBC via his £700-an-hour lawyer.
Gio, who is working with Schillings, is expected to supply transcripts which he says prove he acted fairly.
The drama has now reportedly deterred female celebrities from accepting offers to join the next series.
A source told The Mirror: “Strictly bosses have been left reeling by the backlash against Giovanni. One problem it has caused is that the booking team are struggling to recruit female.
“In the past, some women have been reluctant to sign up due to the Strictly curse and others have struggled to commit to the full on schedule. But this has made booking harder than ever.
“There is a concern amongst some about their treatment, while others are reluctant to be involved with the show while it’s under a shadow.”
At least “one or two more celebrities” will add their names to the three claimants who are already taking action against Gio as part of a Beeb investigation.
The trio already includes Laura Whitmore, 39 — Gio’s partner in 2016 — and Amanda.
A source said: “Numerous celebrities, all former partners of Gio’s, have been in contact with one another behind the scenes.
“Three women that we know of have come forward, and taken things a step further with legal action.
“But Carter Ruck, the prestigious firm acting on behalf of these stars, have quietly been speaking to one or two other potential claimants.
“In other words, more names could come out of the woodwork.”
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”.