Giovanni Pernice squashes 'nonsense' claims of Strictly Come Dancing rift
Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has been accused of causing a stir behind the scenes, with an insider claiming some of the show's cast and crew have had enough of his behaviour.
But representatives for the Italian dancer, who made a sombre appearance on the BBC show this evening, have shut down speculation of a backstage rift between Giovanni and his Strictly colleagues and stated insider quotes about allegedly rude behaviour from their client are "nonsense".
The 33 year old dancer has allegedly been labelled "out of control" by both crew members and professional dancers, who say his personality is rubbing people up the wrong way, according to an insider. A source has claimed Giovanni is rude to many of the new dancers on the show, thinking he is "superior" to them because of his long tenure on the series.
Amanda Abbington apparently ignored messages from Giovanni Pernice prior to quitting the show (BBC)Giovanni returned to the BBC dance competition this evening following his celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington quitting the series on Monday. The Italian dancer, who lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2021, and the Sherlock actress were rumoured to have clashed before she withdrew from the competition.
A source has told Daily Star: "He [Giovanni doesn't treat the new dancers with much respect. He has not created a welcoming environment for them at all. Many of them don't really speak to him and just see him passing in the hall." Some of the crew and show bosses are also allegedly unhappy with the star, with the insider adding: "He is bossy and harsh and show bosses have had enough of him throwing a spanner in the works and causing problems."
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When approached by the Mirror this evening, a representative for Giovanni shut down the claims and dismissed the source's accusation. "This story is simply untrue," they told us.
Fleur East announced the Sherlock star’s exit from the BBC series on It Takes Two on Monday night, with a Strictly spokesperson going on to add: "Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future."
Giovanni was quick to “send so much love” to Amanda on Instagram following the announcement, but it’s since been claimed the Italian dancer and the actress didn’t get on too well behind the scenes. Amanda failed to mention Giovanni when she shared a statement with her Instagram followers on Tuesday morning, instead thanking production staff and “everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring”.
Speaking to the Daily Star, the source claimed Amanda didn't tell Giovanni she planned to quit the show and the first he heard of her decision was from a producer. They claim not hearing from the actress, who apparently hadn't been replying to his messages, has "really annoyed him". The insider says Giovanni is frustrated and "worried the drama will be damaging for his career and make him look bad."
Amanda’s statement in full regarding her decision to leave Strictly reads: "It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue. It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
"I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them. I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx."
The Mirror has contacted representatives for Giovanni and Strictly Come Dancing for comment on this story.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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