Lorraine Kelly calls for probe into Strictly star Giovanni Pernice 'complaints'

08 January 2024 , 10:43

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Lorraine Kelly has called for a BBC probe into the 'complaints' made about Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing

Lorraine Kelly has called for a BBC probe into 'complaints' made about Giovanni Pernice.

It has been reported that Giovanni's celebrity dance partner, Amanda Abbington, has requested backstage footage from the BBC of herself after suddenly quitting Strictly Come Dancing a few months back. She exited the show due to personal reasons and has since revealed that she has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Following complaints from previous celebrities, it has been claimed that the BBC had a meeting with Giovanni about his conduct last year but no action was taken against him. "Some of the professionals and crew feel it needs to be dealt with and Giovanni shouldn’t come back this year. 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," an insider reportedly said.

Amanda Abbington has reportedly requested backstage footage of her time with Giovanni Pernice (BBC)

It has also been reported by 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.

Speaking about the latest news on her show today, Lorraine Kelly said: "It all went a bit pear-shaped didn't it? According to the papers, there are calls for him to be banned from Strictly after clashing with his celebrity dance partners.

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"Well we know Amanda stepped away from the dance series at the time, saying it was all about personal reasons. But according to the BBC, there's been no formal complaints against Giovanni, no investigations are taking place but it's been said he has had clashes with more than one person that he has been paired with. So maybe they should just have a quick look to put everyone's mind at ease."

The BBC has been contacted by The Mirror for comment.

When Amanda departed Strictly, she issued a statement where she insisted she was "unable to continue".

"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," she said.

"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."

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Jasmine Allday