beeb's fears
Strictly ‘in chaos’ as Giovanni Pernice ‘faces backstage boycott’ over Amanda Abbingdon row
It comes after Sherlock star Amanda said she suffered PTSD following her training with Giovanni.
STRICTLY Come Dancing has reportedly descended into 'chaos' after Giovanni Pernice's row with Amanda Abbingdon.
Show bosses are said to be fearful that future contestants will refuse to be partnered with the Italian ballroom pro, 33, when the BBC show returns in September.
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It comes after Sherlock star Amanda, 51, who left the most recent series prematurely, said she suffered with PTSD following her training with Giovanni.
A source told : "The fallout between Giovanni and Amanda is causing much concern.
"Celebrity contestants usually don’t mind which partner they are coupled up with as they’re just happy to be on the show.
"But Giovanni’s reputation has taken a further hit following Amanda’s experience and they don’t want to be in a position where new contestants may threaten to quit if they’re paired with him."
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Appearing to support Amanda's claims, BBC Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson, 36, last night unfollowed his former dance partner on Instagram - a move that hasn't been reciprocated.
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.
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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.
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“Gio believes he’s done nothing wrong, and simply wants to get the best out of his partners.”
The BBC declined to comment when contacted by The Sun.
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