Giovanni: I won’t be cancelled
Strictly star hires celebrity law firm to clear his name
GIOVANNI Pernice has vowed he ‘won’t be cancelled’ and fully expects to clear his name over his alleged Strictly conduct, his lawyers said last night.
The under-fire star has hired Schillings — a top law company known for defending celebrities.
Television insiders described it as a ‘bold move’ after his former dance partner Amanda Abbington and two other women instructed rival lawyers at Carter Ruck. It came after the BBC refused to deny whether Pernice’s dance partner, Rose Ayling-Ellis, had also made a complaint about his behaviour during the 2021 series – which they won.
Schillings insisted Mr Pernice, 33, will ‘clear his name’ and ‘fully co- operate’ with the BBC’s inquiry. In a statement to the Mail they said: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.
‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made the producers have a duty of care. Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his rep against accusations against him.’ The move, some say, means ‘war’ after Ms Abbington claimed Mr Pernice left her bruised after stamping on her foot.
Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh and presenter Laura Whitmore – also partners of Giovanni – have met with Amanda to discuss their own experiences.
Meanwhile, there are question marks over whether Ms AylingEllis had also made a complaint about his behaviour.
A Strictly insider said: ‘This could change things hugely for Gio. He and Rose were the darlings of the 2021 series.’