Entertainment
BBC releases rare comment after allegations against Strictly star Giovanni Pernice-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
The BBC has broken its silence (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The BBC has appeared to address the ongoing speculation amid Giovanni Pernice’s role on Strictly Come Dancing.
This comes after reports of the broadcaster launching an investigation following accusations made about his behaviour.
The Italian pro dancer’s future on the show has yet to be confirmed, though rumours have been swirling for months and recent claims suggested he has departed from the series and would not be returning later this year.
The BBC reportedly began an internal probe and is ‘evidence gathering’ after three ex contestants instructed lawyers, while Giovanni defended himself on social media and is said to have also instructed lawyers to fight the claims.
The broadcaster has now made a rare comment amid the reports, saying: ‘It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals.
Join Metro’s Strictly community on WhatsApp
Want to be the first to get all the latest news and rumours from the Strictly dancefloor?
Join our Strictly Come Dancing WhatsApp channel to keep up to date with all the behind-the-scenes gossip about your favourite pros, judges and celebrities.
Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we’ve just dropped the latest spoilers. Keep dancing!
‘Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
‘Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.’
The Strictly star’s future on the show has yet to be confirmed (Picture: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
The spokesperson continued to Metro.co.uk: ‘If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
‘This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
‘Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned. We will not be commenting further.’
Giovanni, 33, has defended himself on social media, saying he ‘rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name’, following reports months ago that his former partners Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore, and Ranvir Singh met to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him on the show.
Reports over Giovanni’s conduct on Strictly first emerged when there were rumours of a behind-the-scenes feud between him and Sherlock actress Amanda, after she quit the show last year after five weeks, and was later said to be seeking legal advice.
Amanda Abbington quit Strictly after five weeks (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
While Amanda has not said much over her exit, citing ‘personal reasons’ at the time, it later emerged that she’d requested video footage of her rehearsals and was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly.
It has since been said that the Mr Selfridge actress would be ‘bruised’ after training with Giovanni – who lifted the glitterball trophy with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 – for the competition.
‘Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio,’ a source said.
‘She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried every avenue to try and make it work.’
The three ex Strictly contestants who have instructed lawyers have not been named, but Amanda is thought to be one of them.
The BBC is said to be launching an investigation following accusations into his behaviour (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
A spokesperson for top legal firm Carter Ruck said: ‘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.’
A source added: ‘These are troubled times for the BBC – this is a nightmare situation, frankly.’
They said that ‘rumblings have been going on for months about allegations surrounding his behaviour but they steadfastly declined to launch any kind of investigation.’
‘It was only when three contestants, all allegedly deeply traumatised and upset by some of his training methods and behaviour, complained that any action was taken.’
The insider also described the three celebs coming forward as ‘incredibly brave’ for ‘sticking their necks above the parapet.’
Giovanni has defended himself on social media (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
‘They’ve had a lot of grief online from Strictly and Gio fans, and to say nothing would have been the easiest route,’ they added to The Sun.
In a statement posted on Instagram last week, Giovanni wrote: ‘To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.’
He continued: ‘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.
‘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.’
He concluded his message by writing: ‘ Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.’
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
The BBC has broken its silence (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The BBC has appeared to address the ongoing speculation amid Giovanni Pernice’s role on Strictly Come Dancing.
This comes after reports of the broadcaster launching an investigation following accusations made about his behaviour.
The Italian pro dancer’s future on the show has yet to be confirmed, though rumours have been swirling for months and recent claims suggested he has departed from the series and would not be returning later this year.
The BBC reportedly began an internal probe and is ‘evidence gathering’ after three ex contestants instructed lawyers, while Giovanni defended himself on social media and is said to have also instructed lawyers to fight the claims.
The broadcaster has now made a rare comment amid the reports, saying: ‘It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals.
Join Metro’s Strictly community on WhatsApp
Want to be the first to get all the latest news and rumours from the Strictly dancefloor?
Join our Strictly Come Dancing WhatsApp channel to keep up to date with all the behind-the-scenes gossip about your favourite pros, judges and celebrities.
Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we’ve just dropped the latest spoilers. Keep dancing!
‘Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
‘Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.’
The Strictly star’s future on the show has yet to be confirmed (Picture: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
The spokesperson continued to Metro.co.uk: ‘If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
‘This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
‘Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned. We will not be commenting further.’
Giovanni, 33, has defended himself on social media, saying he ‘rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name’, following reports months ago that his former partners Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore, and Ranvir Singh met to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him on the show.
Reports over Giovanni’s conduct on Strictly first emerged when there were rumours of a behind-the-scenes feud between him and Sherlock actress Amanda, after she quit the show last year after five weeks, and was later said to be seeking legal advice.
Amanda Abbington quit Strictly after five weeks (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
While Amanda has not said much over her exit, citing ‘personal reasons’ at the time, it later emerged that she’d requested video footage of her rehearsals and was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly.
It has since been said that the Mr Selfridge actress would be ‘bruised’ after training with Giovanni – who lifted the glitterball trophy with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 – for the competition.
‘Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio,’ a source said.
‘She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried every avenue to try and make it work.’
The three ex Strictly contestants who have instructed lawyers have not been named, but Amanda is thought to be one of them.
The BBC is said to be launching an investigation following accusations into his behaviour (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
A spokesperson for top legal firm Carter Ruck said: ‘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.’
A source added: ‘These are troubled times for the BBC – this is a nightmare situation, frankly.’
They said that ‘rumblings have been going on for months about allegations surrounding his behaviour but they steadfastly declined to launch any kind of investigation.’
‘It was only when three contestants, all allegedly deeply traumatised and upset by some of his training methods and behaviour, complained that any action was taken.’
The insider also described the three celebs coming forward as ‘incredibly brave’ for ‘sticking their necks above the parapet.’
Giovanni has defended himself on social media (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
‘They’ve had a lot of grief online from Strictly and Gio fans, and to say nothing would have been the easiest route,’ they added to The Sun.
In a statement posted on Instagram last week, Giovanni wrote: ‘To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.’
He continued: ‘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.
‘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.’
He concluded his message by writing: ‘ Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.’
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
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