The BBC has launched an internal investigation into Strictly star Giovanni Pernice after three former contestants referred lawyers.
The corporation is now “gathering evidence” following the allegations.
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Giovanni Pernice has quit Strictly Come Dancing – after facing allegations about his tough coaching from celebrity partners such as Amanda AbbingtonCredit: Ray Burniston / BBC / PA Wire
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Amanda left the show in tears in OctoberCredit: Pixel8000
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Gio triumphed in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-EllisCredit: PA
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Gio joined the show in 2015. Credit: Rex
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Rose Ayling-Ellis and Gio during the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final Credit: PA
News of the official complaints – filed separately by the same top law firm, Carter Ruck – comes after The Sun revealed the Sicilian dancer had quit the hit dance competition.
Although the three complainants have not been named, they are believed to be Amanda Abbington and two other high-profile stars.
A £700-an-hour spokeswoman, Carter Ruck, said: “There have been many serious complaints made to the BBC which are now in the process of gathering evidence.
“As this is still ongoing, no further comment can be made at this stage.”
The investigation into serious misconduct in the workplace is likely to take into account rehearsal footage taken between Amanda and Gio, 33.
A source said: “These are difficult times for the BBC – it’s a nightmare situation, frankly.
“For months there have been rumors of allegations related to his conduct, but they have steadfastly refused to launch any investigation.
“It was only when three competitors, all reportedly deeply traumatized and upset by some of his training methods and behavior, complained that nothing was done.”
Giovanni is currently on holiday abroad while the works are in progress.
It comes amid a spate of concerns over the pro’s “headlining” antics on set where he has made previous celebrities, including Amanda, cry.
The Strictly Come Dancing star has left fans delighted after leaving the hit show after nine years
However, the source added: “These complainants are incredibly brave, sticking their necks out above the parapet.
“They got a lot of grief online from Strictly fans and Gio, and saying nothing would have been the easiest thing to do.
Who is Giovanni Pernice?
GIOVANNI Pernice was a Strictly Come Dancing professional.
But a few days ago, The Sun exclusively revealed that the professional dancer had officially left the show.
Giovanni is a dancer from Sicily, born on September 5, 1990.
Gio joined Strictly in 2015 and has become a fan favourite.
It reached the final in its first year with actress Georgia May Foote before triumphing in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Specializing in the Latin style, Giovanni has won a number of competitions, most notably the 2012 Italian Open.
The talented dancer is also a Guinness World Record holder for Jive kicks and kicks, as well as Charleston spins.
“They hope that by moving into the legal system, they can empower others to come forward with their stories.”
The BBC said “no decision has been made” on re-commissioning Giovanni and Anton’s travel show.
The BBC declined to comment on the internal investigation or Giovanni’s own evidence.
Gio joined the series in 2015 and has become a fan favorite — reaching the final in his first year with actress Georgia May Foote and triumphing in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Inside Amanda Abbington’s time on Strictly
AMANDA Abbington was Giovanni’s partner for the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
However, just a few weeks after the series began, the actress announced that she had left the show.
Before she left Strictly, The Sun revealed how Amanda and Giovanni had been fighting backstage.
Amanda further fueled the rumors by sharing a cryptic post about the bad behavior on her Instagram account.
The star reposted the quote, which read: “Salute to people whose kindness is not a strategy but a way of life.”
Amanda also scorned Giovanni when she broke her silence after her departure.
She told fans: “It is with deep regret that I have had to leave Strictly. I have not come to this decision lightly or lightly, but for personal reasons I cannot continue.
“It was an absolute joy to work with my fellow competitors, they are a wonderful, hard working and talented group of people who I love and will miss seeing and competing with every Friday and Saturday.
“I want to thank the amazing production team and everyone on Strictly who have looked after me and are so kind and caring.
“It’s a wonderful group of people and I’m going to miss them all. I’m so sad that I can’t go on.
“Thank you to everyone who voted and sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Really. Thank you. Xxx”
In January 2024, it emerged that Amanda had allegedly told friends that her strained relationship with Giovanni while on Strictly had left her suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Gio’s 2015 Georgia Debut May FooteCredit: PA
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He danced with Michelle Visage in 2019
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