GIOVANNI Pernice reportedly asked the BBC to keep cameras in all his training sessions with Amanda Abbington during last year’s series, after her “behaviour left him worried”.
The Sicilian pro dancer was partnered with the Sherlock actress for the 2023 season, but it didn’t take long for rumours of trouble backstage surfacing.
Among the claims, sources said Amanda was unhappy with Giovanni’s ‘incredibly brusque’ and ‘militant’ training style.
Eventually, Amanda would withdraw from the competition on undisclosed medical grounds.
Now, Giovanni is preparing to go to war for his reputation after three of his former celeb partners filed official complaints to the BBC over his backstage behaviour.
According to Mail On Sunday, Giovanni – who competed in nine years of the beloved competition – had requested cameras be present for all rehearsals after becoming ‘worried’ about Amanda’s behaviour.
The paper claims Gio put in the request in week two of the competition, with Strictly bosses then being able to review the material and assess the action as necessary.
“Gio found the situation very unsettling so he asked that all sessions were recorded,” a source said.
“It was totally unprecedented, but Gio started to see things in Amanda’s behaviour and wanted to ensure he was protected. What a relief he did.”
The latest development comes after Giovanni reportedly sent a celeb partner “an inappropriate video” via WhatsApp ahead of their partnership.
He did not make, commission or appear in the video, but sources claimed the unnamed celeb partner found it “intimidating and offensive”.
“The BBC was told the celebrity was shocked and upset to receive it on a WhatsApp message, hours before the couple were meant to be dancing together on live television,” the source said.
“They were told they felt intimidated by it. The women are being incredibly brave in speaking out, especially as a lot of them are going up against vicious messages from his loyal fans.”
Since the allegations, Gio was dropped from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and he’s hired a team of top lawyers to help him clear his name.
In a statement made after the BBC probe came to light, he said: “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,” he continued. “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!”
