Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice won’t be returning to the BBC competition (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
Some Strictly Come Dancing stars have spoken out following the speculation surrounding Giovanni Pernice, and shown their support for him after it was confirmed he would not be returning to the BBC One competition.
It’s been claimed that the BBC has launched an investigation after accusations made about the Italian dancer’s behaviour by former contestants, including Amanda Abbington, who quit Strictly after five weeks last year, citing ‘personal reasons’ at the time, before saying her experience left her with PTSD.
It is believed that Amanda met with Giovanni’s former dancer partners Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him on the show, and have considered launching legal action, while another star reportedly suffered ‘significant emotional distress’.
Giovanni, 33, meanwhile has defended himself on social media, saying he ‘rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name’, and is said to have instructed lawyers to fight the claims.
His co-stars have also shared their support of him, despite a reported ‘ban’ from Strictly bosses on the cast discussing the ongoing situation.
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But which other celebrities have defended Giovanni?
Amanda Abbington claimed she was left with PTSD after pairing with Giovanni on Strictly (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
Gorka Marquez
Appearing on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain, dancer Gorka Marquez – who is now the longest serving pro on the show – spoke about how any of the stars leaving is ‘sad’.
Source:: Metro
