Questions have been raised over why Giovanni Pernice ‘quit’ Strictly following allegations about ‘serious workplace misconduct’ while training three celebrities.
And now it’s been reported that the pro dancer is being ‘probed over serious complaints made by the traumatised contestants as the BBC conducts an internal review’ – weeks after claiming they wouldn’t investigate further.
The Italian professional, 33, had previously been accused of being ‘too tough’ behind the scenes by several of his former celebrity partners including Ranvir Singh , 46, Laura Whitmore , 39, and Amanda Abbington , 52, who abruptly left last year’s series amid speculation the pair did not get along.
The Corporation is now ‘evidence gathering’ in the wake of the damning allegations.
A spokeswoman, from £700 an hour Carter Ruck, told The Sun: ‘There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering.
‘As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage’.
The BBC said earlier this year that they would not be investigating Giovanni’s behaviour with Amanda, with a spokesperson saying: ‘There is a constant dialogue between the senior production team and contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.’
The BBC has reportedly launched an internal investigation into Strictly star Giovanni Pernice after three former contestants slammed his ‘militant’ approach and instructed lawyers approach
The Italian professional, 33, has been accused of being ‘too tough’ behind the scenes by several of his former celebrity partners including Ranvir Singh , 46, Laura Whitmore , 39, and Amanda Abbington , 52, who abruptly left last year’s series amid speculation the pair did not get along
It comes after the news broke that he was leaving Strictly amid a firestorm surrounding his training etiquette.
It’s claimed the scrutiny became ‘too much’ when three of his ex dance partners slammed his ‘militant’ approach.
The professional dancer is said to want a ‘fresh start’ but is ‘adamant he has done nothing wrong’ after his last celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington , 52, led the charge in accusing him of ‘difficult behaviour’ during training.
Amanda, who dramatically withdrew from last year’s competition and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the show, is said to have met with Laura Whitmore , 39, and Ranvir Singh , 46, earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with him.
While the BBC has stood by him and been keen to sign the professional dancer for its 20th anniversary series, Giovanni has decided to not return after eight years on the show.
‘Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much and now is the time to make a fresh start,’ a source told The Sun .
‘He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
‘He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking – especially in this day and age.’
Giovanni has faced a wave of scrutiny ever since his dance partner Amanda dramatically quit last year
Laura Whitmore and Giovanni pictured. Amanda is said to have met the presenter to discuss her experience with the dancer during the competition in 2022
Ranvir Singh and Giovanni pictured. The Good Morning Britain presenter complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show (pictured in 2020)
The insider added Giovanni has lots of ‘exciting projects’ in the pipeline which is now his priority.
Giovanni previously defended his training style, saying: ‘I’m definitely a perfectionist.’
‘Like everybody else, I like to win. But for me it’s more about bringing the best out of partners, especially if I see that there is talent there. I want to do my job properly.’
A spokesman for the BBC has declined to comment on Giovanni’s departure. They told MailOnline: ‘The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course’.
MailOnline has contacted Giovanni’s representatives for comment.
