STRICTLY Come Dancing has been thrown into chaos as Giovanni Pernice's scandal casts "dark cloud" over the 20th anniversary of show.
It comes after Giovanni, 33, is being investigated by the BBC after at least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him.
Now BBC insiders are concerned that the show's celebrations later this year will be overshadowed by the scandal - especially as Giovanni was expected to play a significant role in the milestone.
"There are exciting plans for this year's series. Getting to 20 years is an amazing feat," a source told The Mail.
"The problem now is that the viewers will still be talking about Giovanni — and his absence will leave a gaping hole.
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"But as well as that, the investigation or its aftermath is likely to plague the series.
"It's a terrible shame. It was supposed to be so special."
The Sun have reached out to the BBC for comment.
'TOXIC' PROBE
Meanwhile, The Sun revealed that panicked BBC bosses are scouring years of footage featuring Giovanni as the scandal engulfing Strictly grows.
Corporation chiefs have instructed producers to look back on hundreds of hours’ worth of his training sessions as they brace themselves for more complaints.
And Amanda Abbington — one of those who has filed complaints against the 33-year-old Sicilian — has vowed to leave “nothing unsaid” in her meeting with investigators this week.
An insider said: “Amanda believes she has a duty to ensure the truth comes out.
"There’s a suggestion this is all about Giovanni simply being a strict trainer and someone who pushes people too hard. It’s about a lot more than that.
“Meanwhile the BBC who have, until now, dragged their heels on this developing story, are duty-bound to investigate the matter fully to get to the bottom of these complaints.
“Archive footage through the years is being examined so that a full and frank verdict can be reached.”
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It comes after The Sun revealed the controversial dancer had quit the hit show.
A day later we revealed a top legal firm had been contacted by “numerous” celebrities complaining about Giovanni’s “toxic” training methods.
Presenter Laura Whitmore is one of the complainants and at least one other star has lodged a formal complaint with the BBC.
Several stars over the years have claimed they found Giovanni difficult to work with, leaving many in tears.
However, Giovanni has vehemently denied any suggestion of bullying.
The pro, currently on holiday with his girlfriend Molly Brown in Madeira, said: “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.”
