AN INVESTIGATION into former Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice has been thrown into chaos after Amanda Abbington sent more bombshell messages.
The BBC’s investigation was expected to end this week until a dramatic intervention by actress Amanda, who left the show last year.
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Giovanni Pernice’s investigation is thrown into chaos after Amanda Abbington hands over more messages Credit: Pixel8000
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The BBC’s investigation was expected to end this week until Amanda’s dramatic interventionCredit: Doug Seeburg/News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Amanda and Gio on the BBC dance show Credit: PA
Giovanni was on the verge of being released by investigators until Amanda handed over more text messages, sources said last night.
They claim further revelations were discussed last week during a meeting with two police officers investigating the dancer’s behavior on the BBC show.
The source said: “It changed the direction of the probe.”
The latest revelations appear to show that Giovanni’s behavior fell short of what is expected of Strictly professionals.
However, insiders said the investigation did not portray actress Amanda – who left the series early last year – in a good light either.
A source said: “The investigation is due to finish this week but has been hampered by a new revelation from Amanda.
“It changed the direction of the probe. It seemed that Giovanni would be freed, but this new information changed everything again.
“It now appears that Giovanni has crossed the line of what is acceptable for a BBC representative, but more discussion is needed.
“Every time they seem to have reached a conclusion, something else is thrown in that throws the investigation in a new direction.”
It comes after Amanda, 50, launched a complaint against Giovanni, accusing him of being “abusive, cruel and evil”.
The dancer, 33, who left the BBC show in May after nine years, has denied any wrongdoing.
Six people are believed to have been spoken to during the investigation, including Laura Whitmore, Giovanni’s dance partner in 2016.
Strictly’s Amanda Abbington raised the alarm about Giovanni Pernice to the entire cast, co-star reveals
The former host of Love Island also cited inappropriate behavior and told how she caused concern at the time.
She said last month: “I’m not asking for anything, just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and won’t happen to anyone again.”
The insiders said that the investigation should be concluded at the end of this week, and the findings will be handed over to those involved. Now it could be extended to next week.
Our source added: “This has been a very complicated investigation. And as Amanda is handing over new information, it got longer and delayed again.
“The findings will be presented to the people involved, but the BBC is likely to make a simple statement to the public.”
Amid an investigation, Strictly co-star Graziano Di Prima has been sacked by the BBC for gross misconduct after it emerged he kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott last year.
The Sun then revealed that the BBC had received two complaints about him, but they had been ignored.
Amanda told The Sun on Sunday last month that she had received death threats after speaking out but wanted to prevent future contestants from suffering.
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A couple rehearsing for a BBC show…Amanda ended up quitting and later complained about Gio’s behaviorCredit: Eroteme
‘Cruel and evil’
She said: “I find Giovanni’s behavior unnecessary, abusive, cruel and vile. I couldn’t sit back and let him do this to other people.
“I had to think long and hard about filing a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I couldn’t live with myself for future people going to that show.”
She also called for the rehearsal footage to be released, but says Giovanni “blocked” it.
A spokesman for Giovanni denied the allegations and said: “Giovanni has not seen or blocked the video belonging to the BBC.
“Gio chose not to receive it to preserve the integrity of the review.
“The allegations have been shared by the BBC and there is nothing, no evidence, to match Amanda Abbington’s many and ever-changing allegations.”
The Sherlock star, who said she suffered from PTSD after her stint on Strictly, added: “It’s crazy what happened to me, with the death threats and the backlash.
“I know the BBC has known about Giovanni’s behavior for years, people have complained about him and flagged his behavior to producers in the past and nothing has been done.
“It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never have danced with him. I know what’s in those videos and I’m not afraid that those videos will be seen. It goes way beyond stepping on a toe.
It now appears that Giovanni has crossed the line of what is acceptable for a BBC representative, but more discussion is needed
Source
“I know what happened and the fact that he’s blocking footage speaks volumes.”
This year’s line-up contains the fewest women in its 20-year history – and the insiders are facing accusations of abuse.
It will feature nine men and only six women – whereas before it was a 50/50 split.
A TV insider said: “It’s hard to see how the ongoing bullying controversy couldn’t have affected the hiring process.”
A spokesman for Giovanni said last night: “We are co-operating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties are asked to respect this process and not to speak to the media until it is completed.
“Giovanni denies any allegation of threatening or abusive behavior and, having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident the review will prove this.”
The BBC added: “We will not comment on individuals or engage in speculation.”
Amanda’s representatives declined to comment.
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Insiders said that the investigation did not show the actress Amanda in a good light either. Credits: Eroteme
Fans continue to support the series in TV voting
Exclusive Felicity Cross, Deputy TV Editor
STRICTLY Come Dancing is in the running for the National Television Award thanks to viewers’ votes.
The hit show’s scandal brought in followers following accusations against former professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
But he still got enough votes to enter the NTA shortlist for the best talent show award.
A TV source said: “This is the clearest sign yet that the British public just want the glitz and glamor of Strictly back.
“Despite months of worrying claims, thousands still voted it their favorite talent show at the industry’s biggest awards. It is a real show of support and will bring the BBC a deep sense of relief.”
Strictly’s celebrity line-up for the upcoming 20th anniversary series includes singer Toyah Willcox and Olympic swimmer Tom Dean.
Arsenal football great Paul Merson and DIY SOS host Nick Knowles are also lined up.
The NTA shortlist will be officially confirmed on 20 August, before the ceremony on 11 September.
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