THE BBC has launched an investigation into Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice after at least three ex-dance partners made serious complaints about his behaviour.
The trio, who include Amanda Abbington and Laura Whitmore contacted a top law firm who then wrote to the Beeb.
The stars, all household names, contacted a £700-an-hour legal firm to make “numerous serious complaints” about the professional dancer, 33.
Carter-Ruck, which specialises in media law and reputation management, has written at least three separate letters to the Corporation.
The BBC, who have stuck by their one-time golden boy for months, is now “evidence gathering” and is understood to have approached all his past dance partners and asked them to comment.
The complaints bombshell comes 24 hours after we revealed Gio had sensationally quit the show.
Persephone Bridgman Baker, at London-based Carter-Ruck, said last night: “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 probe is likely to take in rehearsal footage recorded between Sherlock star Amanda, 52, and Gio.
There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering
Statement from 3 stars' lawyers
She missed last series’ week five then withdrew.
Earlier this year she requested to see recordings of her and Gio at studio training, unhappy with some heated exchanges.
Concerns have previously been raised about his “taskmaster” antics which made some celebs cry, including Laura, 39.
A source told The Sun: “These are troubled times for the BBC.
“This is a nightmare situation, frankly.
“Rumblings have been going on for months about his behaviour but they steadfastly declined to launch any investigation.
“It was only when at least three contestants, all deeply traumatised and upset by some of his training methods and behaviour, complained that any action was taken.
“The huge fear is that more dirt will emerge, and the BBC will have been seen to proverbially stick its fingers in its ears, wilfully ignoring what was something of an open secret on and off set.
“That being said, once the first complaint rolled in, the Beeb acted swiftly and professionally, and immediately began to ask questions.
“The matter is ongoing but if they are seen to have covered up or excused any bad behaviour, questions will be asked.”
Gio is on holiday in Portugal with girlfriend Molly Brown.
The BBC have always backed him to the hilt, privately and publicly, and want to make a star of him
Inside source
It is not known how long the investigation will take.
It is understood all his previous celebrity partners have been asked if they wish to comment.
Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won the Glitterball with him in 2021, TV personality Debbie McGee and US singer and Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, all got on well with the under-fire pro and will back him.
Others, including Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, actress Georgia May Foote and Steps singer Faye Tozer, all of whom reportedly had strained relationships with him, are likely to be less generous in their comments.
Meanwhile, Strictly’s other pro dancers are thought to be pleased Gio has left, and believe it is the right decision for all concerned.
A source added: “These complainants are being incredibly brave, sticking their necks above the parapet.
“They’ve had a lot of grief online from Strictly and Gio fans, and to say nothing would have been the easiest route.
“But they know how important it is to speak out, and not let powerful or influential men get away with toxicity.
“They hope that by going legal, they may empower others to come forward with their stories.”
Yesterday, Gio remained silent on social media where he has one million followers.
Friends insist he remains confident he will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
They say he “pushes his partners hard but is never abusive”, with one claiming he has evidence of his own to vindicate his reputation.
Meanwhile, Gio has recently been flooded with work offers — with the BBC already giving him a travel show alongside Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.
For his part, Gio says he has evidence of his own that support his claims. The BBC have always backed him to the hilt, privately and publicly, and want to make a star of him
Inside source
A source added: “Obviously the BBC are praying that any evidence found supports the fact Gio was tough but entirely fair in his approach to the competition.
“For his part, Gio says he has evidence of his own that support his claims.
“The BBC have always backed him to the hilt, privately and publicly, and want to make a star of him.
“However, should a ruling go against Gio, this could well be the biggest s***storm Strictly has faced in its 20-year history.
“It will be a nervous wait.”
The BBC last night declined to comment on the internal investigation or Giovanni’s own evidence.
It said no decision had been made on the recommission of Giovanni and Anton’s travel show.
By ELLIE HENMAN
2015: Giovanni joins Strictly and reaches the final with Georgia May Foote.
2016: Partnered with Laura Whitmore, who later says her experience with Gio left her in tears every day.
2018: Makes the final again, this time with Faye Tozer.
2021: Wins with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
SEPTEMBER 2023: Paired with actress Amanda Abbington, who threatens to quit in early weeks following rows.
OCTOBER 2023: She pulls out of live show for “medical reasons” and then quits altogether.
JANUARY 6, 2024: Amanda demands the BBC hands over rehearsals footage after seeking legal advice following claims she was left with PTSD.
JANUARY 7: The BBC refuses to launch probe into Giovanni despite a string of concerns, including from another former dancer partner, Ranvir Singh.
JANUARY 9: The Sun reveals the BBC is standing by Gio.
JANUARY 13: Amanda reveals she has received death threats over the row.
MARCH 16: Amanda, Ranvir and Laura meet to compare notes on how Gio treated them.
MARCH 23: BBC in a bind as bosses are “undecided” on if Gio should get a celeb partner.
MARCH 31: Giovanni to hold a crunch meeting with BBC as it is revealed he clashed with a fourth partner, Faye Tozer.
