Giovanni Pernice takes another hit as Strictly co-star ‘pulls out’ of joint event-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Kai Widdrington has pulled out of an event with Giovanni Pernice (Picture: Instagram)

Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has seemingly suffered a fresh blow.

It comes amid intense allegations about his behaviour during training for the BBC dance show, with his future as a pro uncertain as an investigation takes place.

In the latest development, on Tuesday, Giovanni, 33, announced plans for a dance class workshop in London with his fellow Strictly star and long-time friend, Kai Widdrington.

Fans and dance fanatics will be paying £100 per head for the exclusive classes, organised in collaboration with the company Ballando UK.

However, in a swift change of events just days later, it’s been confirmed that Kai, 28, will no longer be joining.

Dance class company Ballando revealed the beloved Strictly pro had to pull out of the workshop due to a scheduling clash.

The Italian pro is facing damning allegations (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

The statement on Ballando’s Instagram read: ‘Unfortunately Kai is no longer able to attend on the 28th July due to other commitments… crossed diaries!

‘Both Kai and Gio were really looking forward to teaching together again, so we’ll try and find another date that works.’

They clarified: ‘Gio will still be taking classes on the 28th July – same time, same classes, same location… Further to follow re booking! See you soon!’

Kai is currently touring the country with his girlfriend Nadiya Bychkova, with dates up and down the UK for the rest of this month.

Meanwhile, Giovanni will host his workshop solo, with tickets still available.

A judges workshop is also scheduled with the Italian dancer, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke.

The event includes individual workshops with all three Strictly stars.

With regards to his time on Strictly, several complaints have been made about Giovanni’s training style and the BBC is now ‘evidence gathering’.

Kai withdrew from the workshop due to a scheduling clash (Picture: PA)

Giovanni’s future as a Strictly pro remains uncertain (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

The launch of the investigation followed reports that his former partners, believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore, and Ranvir Singh met to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him on the show.

It was previously claimed that Giovanni – who joined Strictly in 2015 and won with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 – was a ‘taskmaster’ in rehearsals and made celeb partners cry.

Sherlock actress Amanda hs been famously outspoken, but no other celebs have come forward willing to be identified.

Amanda – who quit Strictly mid-way through last year, despite being a hot favourite to win – broke her silence publicly earlier this month, branding Giovanni ‘nasty’.

‘I asked for them to be recorded, it was me. Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us,’ she told Daily Mail+ of her training sessions.

‘You don’t understand how awful this all is. Giovanni’s fans have started trolling me now. I have had to come off social media and I’m getting death threats.’

Amanda also claimed she complained to BBC producers early into the series, and said she suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after working with Giovanni.

Meanwhile, a male star is said to have also ‘been in touch with the lawyers’ acting for the complainants.

He joined the show almost 10 years ago and won in 2021 (Picture: PA)

The likes of Amanda Abbington have accused him of being ‘nasty’ (Picture: PA)

‘He personally reached out to the women at the heart of this unfolding crisis, offering them his support and full backing,’ said a source.

‘He has also been in touch with Carter Ruck and told them what he knows and shared his experiences. These experiences were, at times, very tricky,’ they added when speaking to The Sun.

Giovanni has defended himself fiercely on social media previously, saying he ‘rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour’.

He added that he ‘looks forward to clearing [his] name’.

Last week the BBC also appeared to address the ongoing speculation, saying: ‘It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals.

‘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 spokesperson continued to Mertro.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.’

The line-up for this year’s Strictly pro cast is yet to be announced, with fans on tenterhooks waiting to find out who will be returning.

It is expected, though, that Giovanni – one of the show’s longest-standing professionals – will not be on the list.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC later this year.

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