08 January 2024 , 15:42
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Strictly Come Dancing professionals have been accused of being "jealous" of Giovanni Pernice.
It comes after his most recent celebrity partner Amanda Abbington has reportedly sought legal advice and demanded footage of their rehearsals together. The actress, who quit the show five weeks into the series, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Amanda is said to have struggled with the Italian's "aggressive training style and attitude" and "militant approach". It has now been claimed Giovanni's professional co-stars feel there should be an investigation and he shouldn't make a return to the series later this year.
Amanda Abbington has been left with PTSD after Strictly (BBC)However, a source close to Giovanni told The Sun: “Gio finds some of these allegations deeply unfair and offensive. He has had support from producers over what has happened recently and they are behind him. A lot of the negativity seems to be born out of professional jealousy, especially among the other pro dancers because he went on to get his own TV show with Anton Du Beke."
They went on to say the dancer believes he has "done nothing wrong". Giovanni joined the BBC show in 2015 and holds the record for earning the most number of perfect 10s in its history - a staggering 98 over eight series. He went on to win the Glitterball trophy in 2021 when he was paired with Rose Ayling-Ellis, who he remains close friends with.
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Yet his partnerships have come under scrutiny over the years with rumours of meltdowns and rows. Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore described feeling "uncomfortable" with her partner, which made her "cry every day" during her stint in 2016. While Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh admitted to having a "total meltdown" in rehearsals, saying the partnership with Giovanni suffered a "20-minute divorce".
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In 2022, there were rumours Giovanni and partner Richie Anderson "didn't click". They struggled on the dance floor and were given the boot after just two weeks on the show. At the time, Giovanni was said to have become frustrated with Richie's reluctance to listen to him in rehearsals, whilst speculation heightened after the pair sat apart on an appearance on It Takes Two. Giovanni later said the rumours were "untrue", however, insisting there was "no problem".
Richie has since unfollowed the dancer on Instagram. The Italian star is yet to address stories surrounding the ongoing issues he allegedly faced with Amanda. However, it has now been claimed that show bosses are “fearful” future celebrity contestants won't want to be partnered with Giovanni. It has also been reported that the BBC had a meeting with Giovanni about his conduct last year but no action was taken against him.
When Amanda departed Strictly, she issued a statement in which she insisted she was "unable to continue" for personal reasons. "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."
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment when approached by Mirror Online.