Strictly feud exposed with star snubbing Giovanni Pernice a year after show – as Amanda Abbington seeks rehearsal films
The ballroom pro was unfollowed on Instagram by one of his former show partners last night.
STRICTLY’S latest feud has been exposed after Giovanni Pernice was deliberately snubbed by another of his former dance partners.
Giovanni, 33, was paired with Richie Anderson, 36, during 2022’s series – but were plagued with rumours of a fallout when they sat separately from each other on It Takes Two.
Appearing to support those claims, the BBC Radio 2 presenter last night unfollowed the Italian ballroom pro on Instagram – a move that hasn’t been reciprocated.
It comes after Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, who left the most recent series prematurely, said she suffered with PTSD following her training with Giovanni.
At least one other star, GMB’s Ranvir Singh, also complained about him, while former Steps singer Faye Tozer is understood to have clashed with the Sicily-native.
Former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore previously said she was “broken” by her time with him too.
Today, The Sun revealed bosses secretly had a meeting with Giovanni 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.
