It might be the last waltz for Giovanni but we shouldn’t be too quick to judge
THINGS are not looking too good for Giovanni Pernice. The Sicilian Strictly Come Dancing pro has officially been left out of the line-up for this year’s show as he’s under investigation by the BBC following a series of complaints from a group of unnamed women.
I believe in innocent until proven guilty and the internal investigation will draw its own conclusions but for the BBC to drop one of their most popular professionals this doesn’t look good.
Actress Amanda Abbington, who withdrew from last year’s series initially blaming “medical and personal reasons”, later claimed she’d suffered mild PTSD as a result of training sessions and was seeking legal advice.
While TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with him back in 2016, said of her experience: “I was extremely uncomfortable with him. In the end, I felt broken.”
And Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh, who was matched with him in 2020, said: “Don’t be fooled by his angelic face. He’s a fiery Italian, super strict. I’m a bit scared of him.”
It should be said that Giovanni refutes all the allegations, is said to be fully co-operating and looks forward to “clearing his name”.
But another issue for me is the BBC not taking action quickly enough.
Amanda has said that she reported the behaviour pretty early on in
filming the series to the point where she had to ask for rehearsals to be taped as evidence.
That’s the point where the producer steps in and makes changes.
It’s sad to see the whole scandal play out and put a damper on what is the biggest family-orientated Saturday night entertainment show.
I watch with my family and my son and get invested in the contestants every year. I also badger my agent to try to get me on it.
From a talent perspective it can be career changing.
It has a massive audience and winning opens up lucrative and highprofile doors.
Strictly is supposed to be fun and I can imagine how exciting it can be to get a spot on the programme. Everyone from ex-footballers, actors, TV presenters, even politicians wants to foxtrot on to the nation’s telly on a Saturday night.
So for their dream to turn into a nightmare is a real shame.
I’m close to people who’ve worked and starred on it so I know some of what’s gone on behind the scenes. But this industry can encourage Chinese whispers so unless I witness something with my own eyes I try not to add to the gossip.
There are two sides to every story and while some contestants can be pushed to their limits and challenged every week, there are some who need patience and nurturing. By Gio’s own admission he’s a hard taskmaster who demands perfection and perhaps that manifested itself in the wrong way towards some of his dance partners.
This industry can encourage Chinese whispers so unless I see it I won’t add to the gossip