Giovanni Pernice has reportedly quit Strictly Come Dancing after nine years on the BBC show following several complaints from three of his former celebrity dance partners.
The BBC was reportedly "very keen" to keep the 33-year-old Italian dancer, who has been embroiled in controversy over his demanding training style with past celebrity partners, including actress Amanda Abbington. A leaked internal memo that's been doing the rounds doesn't feature Giovanni's name among this year's roster of professional dancers, fuelling speculation about his departure. Reports suggest that Giovanni is now eyeing new opportunities on the small screen.
The under-fire dancing pro has reportedly ended his nine-year stint on the show months after he faced allegations over his tough training methods from previous celebrity partners, including actress Amanda, who suddenly left midway through the last series.
Amanda later revealed that she had been diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder after her time on the competition. Allegations from other celebrity partners then surfaced. The dancer and Amanda were thought to have clashed backstage and during rehearsals during the Sherlock star's time on the show.
Giovanni was previously paired with Laura Whitmore (PA)
Giovanni reportedly had a secret meeting with Ranveer (BBC / Guy Levy)Earlier this year, Amanda reportedly requested backstage footage of her training sessions with Giovanni from BBC bosses, potentially in preparation for legal action. Giovanni, who also left the 2023 series after five weeks, is yet to comment on the situation.
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Amanda left the dance competition citing "medical reasons", but rumours have since surfaced that the Sherlock actress is considering legal advice after experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to her time on the show, suggesting that Giovanni was a demanding teacher. However, the BBC were left “puzzled” after she requested to see video footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni as part of a potential legal claim and sources told the Mirror in January that Strictly bosses never received any formal complaint about Giovanni.
However, Amanda is not the only celebrity to have complained about their experience with Giovanni on Strictly. It was reported in March this year that the professional dancer's former partners Laura Whitmore, Ranvir Singh and Amanda all reportedly met up to speak about their "difficult experiences" with him and could unite to make a joint complaint to the BBC. The celebrities are said to have reached out to one another on social media and met last week, which is said to have led to "tears being shed".
GMB presenter Ranvir, 46, had also complained about her experience with Giovanni to producers during her appearance on the show in 2020, while ex-Love Island presenter Laura said that training with him in 2016 left her "crying every day".
“All three had difficult experiences with Giovanni, who is well known to be intense during training. They met in person to share their experiences," a source told The Sun. "Their meeting was emotional but heart-warming. They now know they are there to support each other after their tough times with Giovanni. Tears were shed."
Giovanni and Amanda were paired together last year (PA)
Amanda said she was left with PTSD (BBC/Guy Levy)The insider continued that there is a "possibility" they could take it further and "formally complain to the BBC", adding that there are only a handful of people who know what it's like to be trained by Giovanni and he is known to row with his partners.
The BBC confirmed in January that it wouldn't be investigating into Giovanni's behaviour with Amanda on the show, with a spokesman stating: "There is a constant dialogue between the senior production team and contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.”
At the time, a source close to Giovanni said: "Gio finds some of these allegations deeply unfair and offensive. He believes he’s done nothing wrong, and simply wants to get the best out of his partners."
Debbie McGee, who Giovanni danced with in 2017, rushed to his defence in January this year and declared she had "happy memories" with the pro. He is also still close to EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who he won with in 2021, and he has spoken about how she has "changed his life". However, he is believed to have clashed with Steps singer Faye Tozer in 2018, while Richie Anderson unfollowed him on Instagram.
The Mirror has reached out to the BBC, Giovanni Pernice, Laura Whitmore, Ranvir Singh and Amanda Abbington for comment on this story.
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