BBC 'won't launch probe' into 'complaints' about Strictly star Giovanni Pernice

08 January 2024 , 08:45

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BBC 'won't launch probe' into 'complaints' about Strictly star Giovanni Pernice

The BBC reportedly won't be launching an investigation into the 'complaints' about Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice.

It comes as Giovanni's recent celebrity dance partner, Amanda Abbington, is said to have requested backstage footage from the BBC of herself and the Italian dancer. The actress, 51, suddenly quit the BBC show in October, citing personal reasons for her exit and has since revealed that she has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Amanda previously claimed that it was a "real shock" being exposed to the rigours of Strictly and her friend said that the actress "needed therapy and was left in shock by the behaviour she was exposed to". Following complaints from previous stars, it was claimed that the BBC had a meeting with Giovanni, 33, about his conduct last year but no action was taken against him. An insider explained: “Some of the professionals and crew feel it needs to be dealt with and Giovanni shouldn’t come back this year.

Amanda reportedly asked for backstage footage from their rehearsals (BBC/Guy Levy)

Laura Whitmore previously said she 'cried every day'

“The BBC are standing behind Giovanni and won’t be pursuing an investigation. It’s a shock to some on the show who think something needs to be done about his behaviour." The source went on to claim to The Sun that Amanda wasn't the only person to talk about 'how hard it was' being paired with him.

They claimed bosses spoke to Giovanni after Amanda asked for cameras to be installed in the rehearsal room due to concerns about his attitude. The Mirror have contacted the BBC for comment. A few of Giovanni's past partners had comments about his rigorous training approach.

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In the past, Gio's partners have claimed his "intense" training schedules have left them "broken". Back in 2016, he was partnered with former Love Island host Laura Whitmore, with the two finishing a disappointing ninth. After leaving the competition, Laura described feeling "uncomfortable" with her partner, which made her "cry every day."

Ranvir said she had a 'total meltdown' (PA)

Richie no longer follows Giovanni on Instagram (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

She later told the Huffington Post: "I’m still not ready to talk in-depth about my experience on the show. 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 really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end."

A few years later he was partnered with Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, with the two finishing in fifth place. She later admitted to having a "total meltdown" during rehearsals and told her GMB co-star Kate Garraway the partnership suffered a "20-minute divorce."

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Ranvir continued: "We had a quiet moment when we needed time to ourselves. I have to be honest, I had a total meltdown and Giovanni put me in my place. He pointed to his arm, which says, 'Never give up' and says, 'That's just who I am'."

In 2022, Giovanni was partnered with Richie Anderson. Rumours swirled about a backstage feud, but Giovanni shut it down and said they were having the "best time" away from the cameras. While Ranvir and Amanda still follow Giovanni on Instagram, Laura and Richie don't.

Zara Woodcock