HIS clean-cut image has been tarnished and he’s been forced to leave a coveted role on prime-time telly, but former Strictly Come Dancing star, Giovanni Pernice, remains unrepentant.
The 33-year-old appeared on stage with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke for one of the last remaining dates of their Together tour at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester.
Speaking onstage, the Italian dismissed his former dance partner Amanda Abbington and her bullying claims by branding her a “mad woman.”
He also vowed that audiences haven’t seen the last of him, now that he’ll no longer be starring on the BBC show.
He said: “Oh, I will be back, don’t you worry, let’s see what this mad woman has got to say next
Anton replied: “Gio you can’t say that.”
In May Giovanni quit the show after eight series, following allegations of bullying from his former dance partner Amanda Abbington.
Indeed in an interview over the weekend with the Sun on Sunday, the actress opened up for the first time about her five-week ordeal working in close contact with Giovanni, calling him, “abusive, cruel and mean.”
The Sherlock star 50, complained to the BBC that she endured five weeks of inappropriate behaviour on the last series, before pulling out and being diagnosed with PTSD.
“I found Giovanni’s behavior unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
“I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.
“I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed.
“Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job.”
Amanda also told how she’d been hit by death threats in her quest to uncover the truth.
I wanted to complain about it because I didn’t think it was fair — this is a publicly owned company.
“It’s insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash. I know the BBC knew about Giovanni’s behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done. It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him.
“I know what is on those tapes and I am not frightened of those tapes being seen. It goes way beyond treading on my toe. I know what happened and the fact he is blocking the tapes says a lot.”
Last week it was revealed that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked from the show after shocking footage emerged of him abusing last years dance partner Zara Mcdermott.
In the wake of the Giovanni scandal, the BBC has held an internal inquiry into the conduct of their professionals, where hours of rehearsal footage have been scrutinized.
So far the inquiry has found that BBC staff were aware of Giovanni’s tyrannical training methods but seemed to turn a blind eye.
A Strictly insider said: “This is not good. It looks like the BBC turned a blind eye to knowing what was going on in Giovanni and Amanda’s rehearsal room.”
The BBC inquiry has also been told show staff consoled Amanda during her tough times saying: “Don’t worry, it will get better, this is what he’s like.”
It indicates Giovanni’s behaviour was known about but not dealt with by bosses.
The source added: “There was clearly a pattern of behaviour that was being allowed and senior staff were, essentially, letting Giovanni get away with it. If Amanda didn’t complain it would have just carried on.”
The BBC hopes to wrap up its inquiry next week. It will come three months after the investigation began — with many connected to the show furious it has taken so long to resolve.
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”.
