Strictly's Giovanni breaks silence as partner threatens to quit before live show
Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has spoken out amid claims his partner Amanda Abbington has threatened to quit over his 'militant and aggressive' behaviour in training.
Sources have claimed the first live show of the series - which kicks off live on BBC One tonight - is said to be in 'chaos' with bosses fearing Amanda would not take to the dancefloor after her clashes with Giovanni.
The couple at the heart of the alleged scandal have now taken to social media to address the furore.
Former Sherlock actor Amanda broke her silence first by sharing a picture of herself beaming in rehearsals.
"The smile you give your pro partner at the end of the camera rehearsal when you know you are in safe and hugely talented hands. Giovanni Pernice ya legend," penned Amanda as the caption, adding she would 'see everyone tomorrow.'
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Giovanni then took the step of sharing Amanda's words of endorsement on his own page amid claims he is 'at war' with his celeb partner this year.
Strictly's Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington are said to have spent the week clashing in rehearsals (BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Giovanni took to social media to share Amanda's words of support (instagram.com/amanda_abbington74)The one time Glitterball Trophy winner told fans: "I usually don't say those things early (as everybody know) but I'm extremely proud of you and I can't wait for people to watch we have created."
The gushing posts come amid reports Amanda had been left 'shaken' by Giovanni's 'militant and aggressive' training tactics as they gear up for the first live show.
According to The Sun, the pair have come to blows in rehearsals with actress Amanda even threatening to quit before the show had even got underway.
"Giovanni is a very hard taskmaster and takes the competition very, very seriously," a source said, calling the Italian's techniques 'incredibly brusque' which could sometimes 'upset his partners.'
It's not the first time Giovanni has been accused of upsetting his celebrity dancer.
Presenter Laura Whitmore previously claimed she was left 'extremely uncomfortable' after being partnered with the Lothario in 2016.
The ex-Love Island host said she 'cried every day' during her stint on the show and felt 'broken' by the experience.
Laura's initial gripe was with BBC bosses for pairing her up with Giovanni when he had just dumped her best friend Georgia May Foote, who danced with him on the show the year previously.
Laura Whitmore said she felt 'broken' after dancing with Giovanni Pernice (PA)Georgia left her co-star boyfriend after falling for Giovanni on the show only for the romance to hit the rocks a year later leaving the Coronation Street actress 'heartbroken.'
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A furious Laura said that she had then been 'thrown into the middle of a break up I had nothing to do with' when bosses put her with Giovanni amid the drama.
"I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with- and in the end I felt broken, I cried every day. And I was really broken, both mentally and physically by the end," she fumed.
Michelle Visage also said she and Giovanni were often 'at each other's throats' during their time together on the show in 2019.
Michelle Visage admitted she had a turbulent relationship with Giovanni (BBC)The Drag Race and Radio 2 presenter said: "We’re both Italian. We’re both intense. We’re both Virgos. So there’s a perfectionist level that’s really ridiculous between us.
"He wants it quicker than I’m able to provide it. So Mondays and Tuesdays is a lot of us at each other’s throats. By the end of the week, we’re totally in love with each other again and it’s fine. I’ve never walked out. We just like to fight. We like to fight it out, but it’s just that’s all in love. Our relationship is very fiery. It is weird, but it’s perfect," she added.
Giovanni has also been accused of getting on a little too well with his dance partners after finding romance with the celebrities starring on the show multiple times over.
He most recently dated fellow professional Jowita Przystał after she joined the show last year.
The hunk has also dated Georgia May Foote and Ashley Roberts after they appeared on BBC dance show and has also been linked to past partners Ranvir Sing and Debbie McGee.
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