‘It was a massive surprise’ Strictly’s Karen Hauer breaks ranks and says she’ll miss Giovanni Pernice after show exit
STRICTLY Come Dancing professional dancer Karen Hauer has broken ranks over the Giovanni Pernice scandal.
Earlier this month the BBC confirmed that the beleaguered TV personality quit the celebrity dancing competition.
Last month The Sun revealed that the dancer, 33, had told pals he wanted to step away.
This was after he faced allegations over his apparent ‘tough’ training methods on Strictly Come Dancing.
After his most recent partner Amanda Abbington, 50, filed a complaint with the publicly funded broadcaster, it was later revealed the Beeb were investigating.
At least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him which may also include Laura Whitmore, 39, and Ranvir Singh, 46.
But now some of his co-stars have come out in support of their colleague which include Karen Hauer, 42.
She is the longest serving professional on the hit Saturday night ballroom dancing show with 13 years under her belt.
However she came out in full support for Giovanni as she admitted that the rest of the cast will ‘miss’ seeing the star on set.
“We will miss him. It was a massive surprise. Things can happen that we don’t know about,” she remarked.
“I don’t want to say anything that’s not right, and I don’t want to hurt anyone. But it’s not a nice feeling for anyone.
However, she admitted that she had no idea about the allegations, as each professional is focused on their own ‘bubble’ whilst competing on the show.
She told The Mirror: “We are all so busy during the show doing our own thing. We are all in a bubble with our own celebs. I wouldn’t be able to comment (on the allegations).
“I haven’t spoken to him – he’s busy doing his thing on tour. I don’t know what happened. It is really sad.”
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”.