Strictly’s Giovanni to quickstep back on dance floor despite bullying claims
STRICTLY star Giovanni Pernice is set to keep his spot on the show after being accused of bullying three female celebrities.
The popular pro dancer has won the backing of BBC bosses, who are satisfied the Italian has done nothing wrong.
Giovanni, 33, is said to be keen to “set the record straight” in the next series this autumn.
His reputation was left in tatters after Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, 52, claimed being partnered with him on the hit dance contest left her with posttraumatic stress disorder.
She quit midway through the last series for “personal reasons” and has since demanded the BBC hand over footage of rehearsals.
It has been reported she has met with two of Giovanni’s previous partners – Ranvir Singh,
47, and Laura Whitmore,
38 – to discuss their own challenging experiences working with him, where they
“compared notes”.
But a source close to the show said: “Strictly bosses are satisfied he has done nothing wrong.
“Giovanni has been left devastated by the accusations and is determined to use the next series to set the record straight over what he believes are unfair smears.
“All he wants to do is dance and hates the other stuff that comes with being a celebrity on the show.”
Producers are keen for Giovanni’s return to run smoothly.
The source added: “They are acutely aware they have a part to play in all of this too. Whenever they are pairing a celebrity with a professional dancer they try to find a match which they think will work.
“It can be hard to get it right but a lot of care and time will be taken before choosing the celebrity who dances with Giovanni.”
They said no formal complaint has been made about the dancer, adding: “As things stand, he is very likely to return in the autumn.”
Show bosses were “really surprised” when claims about the
Sicilian-born dancer, who joined in 2015, began to emerge that he was too demanding in rehearsals.
Several of his former partners have come out in support of him, including Eastenders actress Rose Ayling-ellis, with whom he lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2021.
Debbie Mcgee also credited him with helping her get over the death of magician husband Paul Daniels when they danced together in 2017.
A Strictly spokeswoman said: “The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course.”