STRICTLY winner Rose Ayling-Ellis once likened dance partner Giovanni Pernice to a “lizard” due to his behaviour during their rehearsals.
It comes after the show was thrown into chaos when pro dancer Graziano, 30, was axed following allegations of an altercation between him and Zara McDermott.
The allegations come hot on the heels of the ongoing scandal involving Giovanni, 33 – who is under investigation by the BBC following allegations of misconduct made by Amanda Abbington.
Now it appears all may have not been what it seems behind-the-scenes with Gio’s 2021 Strictly dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis.
The pair won the show that year and scooped the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
They also appeared to form a tight bond during their time dancing together.
However, in an unearthed interview Rose can be seen calling Giovanni a “lizard” because of the way he would often get cross during rehearsals.
During a live show episode of Strictly, host Claudia Winkleman asked Rose: “You have a new name for Gio?”
To which the EastEnders actress replied: “Yes, we have…crrrk (mimes a Lizard) Which means, it’s a lizard.”
Looking pleased with the nickname, Gio confirmed: “A lizard.”
Explaining further Rose said: “A lizard because I do dancing and I get my steps wrong, the lizard comes out, crrrkk!
“Then if I get the steps right, he calms down.
Claudia then joked: “Oh, so he is like… I think it’s a frilled lizard.”
With Gio simply saying, “yes”.
Talking about the forthcoming week of rehearsals, Rose said: “It think it will be a full week of crrrk!.
Claudia added: “Yes! There you go! A week of frilled lizard!”
The Sun previously revealed how Rose had “distanced herself from Gio” following the allegations made by Amanda Abbington.
Meanwhile, Strictly is reportedly “at risk of being being cancelled” following the Graziano and Giovanni scandals.
Graziano was accused of hitting, kicking and spitting at Zara McDermott when they were teamed up for the competition last year.
Now it’s been claimed it could be ‘the beginning of the end’ for Strictly.
A source said: “There is absolutely no doubt that those very high up on Strictly, and wider at the BBC, knew about Graziano’s behaviour but they allowed him to still appear on screen.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the TV insider continued: “How on earth can you just let them off when they have done something like that?
“Maybe it’s because he was adored by some of the bosses, who knows, but whatever the reason for not dealing with this properly cannot be ignored. This is surely the beginning of the end for Strictly now. This is a terrible, terrible crisis.”
Soon after the news broke that Graziano would not be returning to Strictly he posted a statement on social media.
He said: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.
“My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.
“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
But there was a mystery when Graziano’s original statement appeared to be deleted and replaced with a slightly edited version.
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”.
