GIOVANNI Pernice is being welcomed back by Strictly this year despite controversy surrounding the pro dancer during the last series.
But it remains to be seen whether he will be given a celebrity partner.
It comes after previous partners Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh met last week to compare notes about their negative experiences with him.
Former Love Island presenter Laura, 38, previously said she “cried every day” and felt “uncomfortable” while training with Gio when they were paired up in 2016.
Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir, 46, also flagged an issue during training with Giovanni, and said that she was unhappy.
A telly source tells me: “Bosses are undecided about whether or not they will give Gio a partner, just to take the heat off him.
“He’s still very much loved by all the head honchos.
“But the big cheeses are wondering if it might be tough to find him a partner, given the reports about his harsh teaching style and the fact anyone who’s paired with him next will have to answer questions about his behaviour.
“The spotlight will be on them from day one, which is a lot to take as well as the pressure of the show.
“Unless they can find someone who specifically asks for him, it could be tricky.”
Last week Gio said: “I am a perfectionist, 100 per cent, but it comes from a perspective of caring.
“I think all of the professional dancers are in the same place.”
A BBC spokeswoman said: “The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course.”
