GIOVANNI Pernice reportedly asked the BBC to keep the cameras on all of his training sessions with Amanda Abbington during last year’s series after her “behaviour worried him”.
The Sicilian professional dancer was partnered with the Sherlock actress for the 2023 season, but it didn’t take long for rumors of backstage issues to surface.
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Giovanni reportedly asked for the cameras to stay in the rehearsal studios because of Amanda’s behaviorCredit: BBC
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Sicilian dancer aims to clear his name Credit: PA
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Amanda is believed to be one of three stars who have made a formal complaint to the BBCCredit: Pixel8000
Among the claims, sources said Amanda was unhappy with Giovanni’s ‘incredibly rough’ and ‘militant’ coaching style.
Eventually, Amanda would withdraw from the competition due to undisclosed medical reasons.
Now Giovanni is set to go to war for his reputation after three of his former celebrity partners made formal complaints to the BBC about his behind-the-scenes behaviour.
According to the Mail On Sunday, Giovanni – who has competed in nine years of the popular competition – asked for cameras to be present at all rehearsals after he became ‘concerned’ about Amanda’s behaviour.
The paper claims Gio made the request in the second week of the competition, at which point Strictly bosses could review the material and assess what was needed.
“Gio found the situation very disturbing and asked for all sessions to be recorded,” the source said.
“It was completely unprecedented, but Gio started to see things in Amanda’s behavior and wanted to make sure he was protected. What a relief he made him.”
The latest development comes after Giovanni allegedly sent the celebrity partner an “inappropriate video” via WhatsApp prior to their partnership.
He did not make, commission or appear in the video, but sources claim the unnamed celebrity partner found it “intimidating and offensive”.
“The BBC was told the celebrity was shocked and upset when she received it in a WhatsApp message, hours before the pair were due to dance together on TV,” a source said.
Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice probed Amanda Abbington drama – as three of his former dance partners face off
“They were told that they were intimidated by it. Women are incredibly brave in coming forward, especially as many of them are standing up to the mean messages from his loyal fans.”
Following the allegations, Gio was booted from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and has hired a team of top lawyers to help clear his name.
In a statement released after the BBC’s investigation came to light, he said: “To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behavior and look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.”
“No one is more ambitious about my dance partners than I am,” he continued. “I’ve always tried to help them be the best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from love and the desire to win – for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
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The grueling training schedule takes its toll on the stars as many lose weight during their strict running Credit: Eroteme
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Gio has now pulled out of Strictly after three of his celebrity partners lodged appeals Credit: PA
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The star insisted he did nothing wrong Credit: Rex
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