Giovanni Pernice was proudly supported by his girlfriend Molly Brown as they held hands after his live tour performance at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Tuesday night.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, was full of smiles as he departed the theatre following his UK leg of the tour with Anton Du Beke – amid his BBC ‘bullying’ row.
The Italian dancer left Strictly after he was accused of exhibiting ‘threatening and abusive’ behaviour towards his celebrity dance partners, including Amanda Abbington, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore.
The BBC launched a probe into the allegations, but it has been reported that Giovanni is unconcerned as he is ‘confident’ the investigation will be dropped once the tapes of his rehearsal session were reviewed.
Putting the probe at the back of his mind for one night, Giovanni couldn’t wipe the smile off his face following his live show.
Giovanni Pernice, 33, was proudly supported by his girlfriend Molly Brown, 25, as they held hands after his live tour performance at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Tuesday night
The Strictly Come Dancing star was full of smiles as he departed the theatre following his UK leg of the tour with Anton Du Beke – amid his BBC ‘bullying’ row
The professional dancer had his supportive girlfriend, 25, in his corner supporting him throughout his performance.
The loved-up couple, who first confirmed their romance at the end of February, looked happier than ever as they left the theatre holding hands.
Molly looked incredibly glamorous in a chic black dress, while Giovanni cut a dapper display in a brown tweed blazer.
Earlier in the night, Molly posted snippets from her night out where she filmed him on stage in a cowboy outfit.
She later filmed a waitress pouring champagne in her hotel room, captioning the post: ‘A very special night and a very proud girlfriend’.
Giovanni and Anton’s tour Anton & Giovanni Together kicked off on June 14 after it was assured it wasn’t going to be axed.
It comes after Giovanni has reportedly said he is confident he will be cleared over allegations of misconduct while on Strictly.
According to The Sun, the Italian commented on the claims to Perfumery & Co store co-owner David McConnachie, after he unveiled his unisex perfume Vita to fans.
The Italian dancer left Strictly after he was accused of exhibiting ‘threatening and abusive’ behaviour towards his celebrity dance partners, including Amanda Abbington , Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore
The BBC launched a probe into the allegations, but it has been reported that Giovanni is unconcerned as he is ‘confident’ the investigation will be dropped once the tapes of his rehearsal session were reviewed
Putting the probe at the back of his mind for one night, Giovanni couldn’t wipe the smile off his face following his live show
The professional dancer had his supportive girlfriend in his corner supporting him throughout his performance
Molly looked incredibly glamorous in a chic black dress, while Giovanni cut a dapper display in a brown tweed blazer
Earlier in the night, Molly posted snippets from her night out where she filmed him on stage in a cowboy outfit alongside Anton
Giovanni and Anton’s tour Anton & Giovanni Together kicked off on June 14 after it was assured it wasn’t going to be axed
David told the publication: ‘[Giovanni] said he is very confident it will all be sorted out soon.
‘He said all the training sessions had been recorded and he was sure that once they have all been reviewed it will all be resolved.’
He added that Giovanni was still a big hit with the British public, saying: ‘They were queuing round the block to see him. He had unwavering support.
‘Giovanni was absolutely lovely. He had one-on-one meetings with everyone and was so charming. He was energetic from the first customer to the last.’
Up to five celebrities have ‘already provided formal statements’ to two ex-Metropolitan Police detectives who are leading the enquiry, according to The Sun.
A source said the investigation could ‘extend into next year’ and management feel there is significant ‘pressure’ to ensure it is as thorough as possible.
The insider said: ‘Up to five stars have presented evidence in statements and WhatsApp exchanges. Gio is likely to be quizzed last, once everything else is in order.
‘He’s more than happy to speak to investigators and is determined to clear his name.’
Up to five celebrities have ‘already provided formal statements’ to two ex-Metropolitan Police detectives who are leading the enquiry, according to The Sun (pictured with Ranvir in 2020)
In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she ‘cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while training with him
Amanda, 50, left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni
The source added the BBC are hoping the findings will not be published in the middle of the upcoming series as the show celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Amanda, 50, left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni.
The Sherlock star said she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and demanded to see footage from rehearsals.
Amanda later rubbished reports Giovanni had asked the BBC to record his rehearsals with the actress over growing concerns about her behaviour – claiming she had requested their dance practices to be filmed, not him.
‘I asked for them to be recorded, it was me. Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.’
The actress is said to have met with Laura and Ranvir earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with Giovanni amid the BBC’s probe.
Giovanni launched a fightback by hiring rival law firm Schillings. His case is being handled by Joelle Rich, 39, who represented Johnny Depp in his libel trial in 2020.
A spokesman for Giovanni said: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm Giovanni is fully cooperating.
‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.’
Giovanni also shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies.
He said in a statement: ‘You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I 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 for my dance partners than me.
‘I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.
‘Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!’
