23 June 2024 , 22:23
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Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly banned stars from talking about the Giovanni Pernice bullying row.
Italian professional dancer Giovanni has been at the centre of an escalating crisis for the last few months after a handful of his former Strictly co-stars complained about his alleged intense approach to training behind the scenes, one of which was reported to be Amanda Abbington.
Amanda dropped out of the competition after only five weeks. At the time, she cited medical and personal reasons and later revealed she was diagnosed with PTSD following her stint. Giovanni has vehemently denied the allegations against him and released a statement maintaining his innocence.
A few of his co-stars, including Shirley Ballas, broke their silence about the row in recent weeks. And now, it has been reported that BBC bosses are desperate to quieten the drama ahead of the show's 20th anniversary. A source said execs have been 'worried' about the allegations as they don't want it to 'overshadow' the upcoming series.
Strictly bosses have reportedly stopped stars from discussing Giovanni's row (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
It comes after a handful of co-stars complained about his alleged intense approach to training (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)“A lot of work has gone into it as it’s the 20th anniversary, and now — still — all anyone talks about is Giovanni," they said before claiming Shirley's defence of the dancer added fire to the flames. Speaking to The Sun, the insider said: "Bosses hope gagging the cast will help. It will require some fancy footwork, but the cast have all been trained on how to handle questioning and politely sidestep difficult topics."
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A BBC spokesperson said: “We recently issued a statement urging the media not to indulge in speculation about complaints related to a high profile show; and as we made clear, anyone involved in a complaint has a right to both confidentiality and fair process.” It comes after head judge Shirley said she never 'experienced any ill will' from him as she defended the star.
Speaking at the Chorleywood Memorial Hall, Shirley said: "I know he is a hard worker. He wants the people to do the very best that they can do. Obviously, in my life, I was bullied a lot. I don't condone bullying on any path but also I don't believe gossip and what you read in the newspapers because things get escalated and they are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball."
"So my feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation or whatever it is they are doing and the truth will come out. So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely 100 per cent." She added: "I won’t pass on the gossip unless I know 100 per cent it is true. I have never ever, ever experienced any ill will or bad feeling or bad sportsmanship or rudeness from him. He will be missed."
The BBC confirmed earlier this month that he would not take part in the upcoming series of Strictly after issuing a previous statement "urging people not to indulge in speculation." The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.