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Strictly star Rose Ayling-Ellis remains silent amid Giovanni Pernice controversy

20 May 2024 , 12:24
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Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis ‘distancing’ herself from Giovanni Pernice (Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis ‘distancing’ herself from Giovanni Pernice (Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has remained silent about her ex show partner Giovanni Pernice amid the investigation into his behaviour behind the scenes on the BBC show.

Former EastEnders star Rose, 29, and Italian professional dancer Giovanni, 33, made history back in 2021 when the soap star became the first deaf contestant to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy. After the show ended, Rose and Giovanni remained close friends, with Strictly fans even hoping that the pair could turn their friendship into a romantic bond.

Over the past three years, the pair have paid gushing tributes to one another on their respective social media accounts, and often share snippets into their wholesome friendship dates. However, following the allegations made about Giovanni, the former EastEnders star is reportedly finding it difficult to get her head around the controversial ordeal.

It comes as Giovanni's 2023 celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, 52, quit the show last year while partnered with him. At the time, she cited medical reasons. However, she later went on to claim she suffered with post traumatic stress disorder following her time on the programme and reportedly told pals she felt Giovanni, 33, was "abrasive" with her while training.

A source has now told The Sun that Rose is reeling following the headlines about her friend Giovanni. "Rose is finding the whole situation really tough. She had a really great experience with Gio so is really shocked by it all," they said. "She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won’t be speaking about it publicly."

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Reportedly, the Italian is facing legal action from three other former Strictly partners following "abusive behaviour" allegations, while BBC bosses are said to have launched an internal investigation - prompting Giovanni to issue a statement on Instagram.

Giovanni has broken his silence, saying that he's as 'surprised as his fans' after finding himself at the centre of 'abuse' claims following his most recent stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

Refuting any suggestion of "abusive or threatening behaviour", he 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.

"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. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."

Susan Knox

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