STRICTLY Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has distanced herself from show partner Giovanni Pernice amid an investigation into his behind-the-scenes behaviour.
Rose (29) and Giovanni (33) made history in 2021 when she became the first deaf contestant to win the Glitterball.
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Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice won Strictly 2021 Credit: BBC
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Rose is conflicted about her friendship with Gio amid an investigation into his behaviorCredit: IMDB
They formed a strong bond during the program – and even faced dating rumors – en route to winning the prestigious award with some stunning routines.
Their friendship continued after the show, but Rose is now struggling to deal with the troubling allegations against Gio.
One of the most shocking saw Amanda Abbington, 52, tell friends how Giovanni stomped on her in the exercise room.
A source said: “Rose is finding the whole situation very difficult. She had a really great experience with Gia so she’s really shocked by everything.
“Of course she believes what others say, but she just tries not to get involved. She won’t talk about it publicly.”
A spokesman for Rose declined to comment.
Last night we revealed that Giovanni is facing further scrutiny as “at least one or two more celebrities” plan to sue him.
The under fire star jetted off to Madeira with girlfriend Molly Smith following the news he was leaving Strictly and has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.
All the women danced with the Italian on the program and will add their names to three prosecutors already taking action as part of the Beeb investigation.
The trio includes Laura Whitmore, 39 — Gio’s partner in 2016 — and Abbington, who left the show in October and has been diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder.
Under fire Giovanni Pernice breaks silence amid Strictly probe as he kisses Molly Brown and drinks champagne on getaway in the sun
A source said: “A number of celebrities, all ex-partners of Gio, have been in touch with each other behind the scenes.
“Three women that we know of have come forward and taken the legal process a step further.
“But Carter Ruck, the prestigious firm that acts on behalf of these stars, has been quietly talking to one or two other potential plaintiffs.
“In other words, more names could come from the wooden structure.
“These are unprecedentedly murky waters for both the BBC and Gio; a number of people have spoken out against him, but all the accusations are rather vague.
“Giovanni, however, remains adamant that he has done nothing wrong and will be freed.
“He faces scrutiny like never before and it will be an anxious wait for him in the coming weeks and months.”
The Sun revealed last week that Gio had been axed from Strictly.
He said: “I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.”
Van, but the scandal is not over
Author: Leo McKinstry
STRICTLY star Giovanni Pernice has long been one of the BBC’s golden boys.
Since he first appeared on our screens in 2015, he has been a constant favorite of fans of the series and the management of the corporation.
With his Latin appearance, dazzling movements and charisma, the Sicilian stallion raised the audience and made people swoon.
But now, burdened with serious complaints about his behavior towards the famous partners in the show, he has gone from the golden boy to the Tin Man.
He denies the claims, saying his methods stem from being “100 percent perfectionist.”
Despite this, Gio sensationally left the show on Friday.
But his departure may not be enough to stop the explosive controversy if it becomes clear that the broadcaster was well aware of the concerns but ignored them, despite having a duty of care to the contestants.
The BBC has now launched an investigation.
But having stood by Gio for so long and reportedly even offered him a new contract, this move smacks of desperate face-saving cynicism.
For all the corporation’s declarations of equality and zero tolerance for bullying, was the drive behind this saga to protect the BBC’s name rather than oppressed women?
If so, it could prove to be a flawed strategy that could now result in the biggest scandal in the show’s 20-year history
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Rose and Giovanni fueled rumors of their romance, such was their chemistryCredit: Getty
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Amanda Abbington told friends that Giovanni stepped on her during rehearsals Credits: PA
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education