STRICTLY Come Dancing fans fear one show professional will be axed after backing under-fire Giovanni Pernice.
The Italian, 33, is being investigated by the BBC after three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about his conduct on the long-running series.
Giovanni has denied the claims in a statement and yesterday, The Sun exclusively reported how he has hired top lawyers in an attempt to clear his name.
Last week, The Sun revealed Giovanni had quit Strictly after nine successful years on the programme.
Now Strictly Come Dancing fans are worried Lauren Oakley, 33 – who is currently escaping the drama on a sun-soaked holiday – will face the chop.
Although Lauren has had only one celebrity partner on the main series – this being Channel 4 News host Krishnan Guru-Murthy – she was also part of the wider group of professionals in 2022.
She missed the show’s live tour as she seemingly gave her backing to Giovanni, by starring on his recent Let Me Entertain You tour in 2023.
Lauren clearly hasn’t cut ties with the star and also plans to join him on his collaboration show with Anton Du Beke this summer.
Now fans think her friendship and professional support for her tour “boss” could see her Strictly spot in jeopardy.
One fan put on Reddit: “I really hope this doesn’t negatively impact Lauren somehow – he’s her boss on his tour, but she’s so amazing.
“I’d hate if her Strictly career were to be cut short due to this.”
Another added: “Yes, me too.
“She’s already signed up to dance with him and Anton shortly on their tour, but presumably won’t do his tour again.”
They will be keeping their fingers crossed that Lauren’s position is secure.
When she secured her role, Lauren spoke of her sheer excitement.
At the time, she said: “Now that it’s happening, it doesn’t quite seem real.
“I can’t wait to start this new sequinned adventure and join this incredible family.”
A top Strictly judge meanwhile has also broken ranks to show his support for his pal.
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
Anton Du Beke was pictured giving his close mate a big hug in images for their new dance tour, starting in June.
Anton and Giovanni: Together – The Live Tour’ kicks off on June 14 at the Beck Theatre in Hayes, West London, with the pair dancing around the UK for the following two months.
They will wrap the run on July 21 at Salford’s The Lowry.
Meanwhile, on the flip side, fellow Italians Graziano Di Prima and Vito Coppola appear to have taken a swipe at their fellow Strictly co-star and countryman.
Fans of the BBC series are now convinced the broadcaster has banned its stars from speaking out.
It came after the majority of the show’s biggest performers have stayed silent.
One fan has now mused on Reddit: “I could be wrong, but maybe the other pros and judges are not allowed to comment/like because as BBC employees, they have to be seen to be impartial.”
Giovanni has been defiant in his attempts to clear his name.
In a cutting recent statement on social media, he wrote: “To my dear fans, 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!”
