THE BBC will not launch a probe into Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice – despite a string of concerns.
Sherlock star Amanda Abbington says she has PTSD after their pairing.
At least one other star, GMB’s Ranvir Singh, also complained about the Italian, while former Steps singer Faye Tozer is understood to have clashed with him.
Last night, TV personality Richie Anderson had unfollowed his former dance partner on Instagram, while ex-Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore previously said she was “broken” by her time with him.
The Sun can reveal bosses secretly had a meeting with Giovanni, 33, about his conduct last year, but no action was taken.
A source said: “Some of the professionals and crew feel it needs to be dealt with and Giovanni shouldn’t come back this year.
“The BBC are standing behind Giovanni and won’t be pursuing an investigation.
“It’s a shock to some on the show who think something needs to be done about his behaviour.
“Amanda had a really tough time with him and she isn’t the only one.
“Four more of his partners have either talked openly about how hard it was working with him or have made it clear in the industry.”
The source said Giovanni was spoken to after Sherlock and Mr Selfridge star Amanda called for cameras to be put in the rehearsal room last year because she was concerned about his attitude.
They added: “Like Amanda, Ranvir also flagged an issue during training with Giovanni and said she was unhappy.
“The BBC appears to be doing nothing and it’s shocking.”
The Sun on Sunday revealed yesterday that Amanda is demanding footage of their rehearsals after seeking legal advice.
Giovanni’s 2016 partner Laura has claimed previously that her time with him on the hit ballroom show reduced her to tears.
She said: “I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with and in the end I felt broken, I cried every day.”
Last night a source close to the pro said: “Gio finds some of these allegations deeply unfair and offensive.
“He has had support from producers over what has happened recently and they are behind him. A lot of the negativity seems to be born out of professional jealousy, especially among the other pro dancers because he went on to get his own TV show with Anton Du Beke.
“Gio believes he’s done nothing wrong, and simply wants to get the best out of his partners.”
The BBC declined to comment.
