Strictly’s Gorka breaks silence on Giovanni Pernice in awkward GMB chat – despite BBC ban on stars speaking about him
STRICTLY’S Gorka Marquez broke his silence on the Giovanni Pernice scandal on today’s Good Morning britain.
The programme’s professional dancers have been instructed to remain quiet on Giovanni’s exit amid the ongoing investigation into his training room behaviour following complains from Amanda Abbington and three other former celebrity partners.
But appearing on today’s GMB with co-star Karen Hauer, he was unable to swerve the topic when asked by Adil Ray and Susanna Reid.
The Spaniard did his best to be as vague as possible in an awkward moment in an otherwise jovial interview to promote their upcoming stage show, Speakeasy.
He said: “I think it’s like when Aljaž [Škorjanec] leaves or like when Anton [Du Beke] decided to be a judge, everybody is a big part of the show so when somebody decides to leave or change their careers… it’s sad for everybody.”
When asked if he was still in touch with Giovanni, Gorka said: “Yeah, sometimes we speak. Obviously he’s so busy, I’m busy, He’s on tour at the minute with Anton.”
It comes after a show dancer told us that the cast are banned from speaking about Giovanni.
The pro, who we are not naming, said: “I’m not allowed to comment. We’ve been told not to talk about it until the official Strictly statement.”
On Sunday night another Strictly pro, Lauren Oakley, broke ranks and showed her support for Giovanni.
Ballroom star Lauren attended Giovanni’s new show with Anton Du Beke.
The 33-year-old posted from the audience and re-shared a picture of the show programme along with three love hearts.
Lauren’s support for Giovanni comes after The Sun revealed Amanda Abbington has called in police after being bombarded with death threats from trolls.
The actress, 50, has received dozens of horrific messages a day from fans of her ex-dance partner, who she has accused of bullying behaviour.
Last week Giovanni released a statement vowing to clear his name after a male Strictly star became the fourth contestant to complain to the Beeb.
The dancer said: “As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.
“The latest accusations are simply false.
“I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.
“As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”
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”.