BBC probe Giovanni as he waltzes away from Strictly
Three former dance partners complain about his behaviour
Giovanni Pernice left Strictly Come Dancing three weeks ago as the BBC launched an investigation because three former dance partners instructed lawyers to make ‘serious complaints’ over his conduct.
The Mail can reveal that Pernice suddenly removed Strictly from his future work schedule – after he was given a contract by the show’s bosses which he had intended to sign.
now they have been forced to gather evidence after lawyers served three separate grievances by three different women over Pernice’s behaviour. one is Sherlock actress amanda abbington and the other two have not yet been named. it
‘He pushes his partners hard’
emerged yesterday that the women had instructed legal firm CarterRuck to act on their behalf. Meanwhile, Pernice was enjoying a sunshine break in Dubai with girlfriend Molly Brown.
in a statement to The Sun Carter-Ruck 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’.
Despite claims that Pernice had left Ms abbington and two of his other dance partners, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh, in tears, the BBC were ‘very, very keen’ to see him back in the ballroom for what will be their 20th anniversary series later this year.
it is claimed he quit. The BBC refused to answer questions over the nature of his departure but insisted Strictly’s line-up of professional dancers will be announced in due course.
Pernice is yet to talk about the situation but Strictly sources believe it was news of his new contract – published in the Mail
– that may have prompted the three women to lodge their grievances to the BBC.
Just two days after the report, Ms abbington posted on her social media: ‘Make people feel embarrassed of being associated with misogynists. Make misogyny unprofitable for anyone to pursue. Deprive misogyny of the oxygen it needs to survive.’ one insider added: ‘amanda was most certainly referring to Giovanni going back to Strictly and surely that was the point that prompted her to go nuclear.’
Despite reports that Ms abbington had asked the BBC for footage of rehearsals after claiming to have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of appearing on the show, she hadn’t made a formal complaint to the corporation. in april, Pernice, 33, met Strictly chiefs and they made it clear they wanted him to return. one BBC source said they were ‘welcoming him back with open arms’.
a Strictly insider told the Mail: ‘Giovanni was all ready to go back, as far as he is concerned he hasn’t done anything wrong and the BBC don’t think so either.’
it was no secret among Strictly staff and stars that Pernice and Ms abbington didn’t get on well – but in front of the cameras she insisted that was not the case.
She left before the end of the run, citing a medical issue.
Those who know Pernice admit he pushes his partners hard but insist he is no bully. one friend of the star said: ‘ Gio is someone who was born to win, he pushes his partners hard.’
in March it was reported that Ms abbington had met Good Morning Britain’s Ms Singh and television presenter Ms Whitmore to discuss their ‘difficult’ experiences working with him.
This led to ‘tears being shed’, according to sources. But despite Pernice’s friends rebuffing this as ‘three women meeting up for a coffee and a moan’, again, the dancer was ‘upset’.
For many involved with Strictly, the news that Pernice is not returning is sad.
He is the longest-serving male professional dancer and more famous than many of the celebrities that appear.