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Strictly champ ‘has no friendship with Giovanni Pernice’ as she steps away from drama

Stacey Dooley kept her lips sealed regarding the ongoing controversy involving Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice during a segment on BBC Breakfast

Host Jon Kay tried to get her opinion on the recent scandal, but she stoutly stated: “I don’t have a friendship with Giovanni. I didn’t even have a working relationship with Giovanni.”

The 34-year-old Italian dancer has been grabbing headlines, addressing rampant rumours that he’s “quit” the show and is under a so-called “investigation” by the BBC due to allegations, reportedly from two other celebs, including Amanda Abbington.

READ MORE: Craig Revel Horwood says he wouldn’t leave Strictly amid Giovanni Pernice exit rumours

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Jon pushed Stacey further, leading with: “While you’re here, before we get to the news, I have to talk to you about Strictly. Giovanni made a statement over the weekend saying he rejects any suggestion of any threatening or abusive behaviour, and you don’t want to talk about that case and those allegations.

Stacey said that she and Giovanni never had a working relationship while she was on Strictly
(Image: BBC)

“But I guess it shines a spotlight on the intensity of that Strictly world.”

Stacey retorted: “Yeah, what I would say is I don’t have a friendship with Giovanni. I didn’t even have a working relationship with Giovanni.

“And I haven’t been involved with that show for years. So it would be probably irresponsible for me to comment on that.”

Stacey shared her thoughts on the matter, saying: “What I would say, more broadly, is I hope all of the women involved are ok. And I think, actually, it’s separate from this but in my personal experience, I think it’s a slippery slope not to believe women when they come forward and say certain things. But I just hope they’re ok,” reports the Mirror.

Giovanni has reportedly stepped away from Strictly after almost a decade
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Sally also gave her opinion on the event, adding: “It’s a difficult time for the programme.”

In response, Stacey agreed and humorously emphasised: “Yeah, me and Kev [Clifton] are so boring. He’s pals with a lot of the professionals but I don’t know enough about that incident to comment.”

Over the weekend, Giovanni used Instagram as a platform to address the recent scandal stating: “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.”

The Strictly star has been on the BBC show for over nine years
(Image: Ash Knotek/REX/Shutterstock)

Further discussing his Strictly Come Dancing journey, he said: “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.”

In the closing of his statement, Giovanni highlighted his zeal and commitment by highlighting: “I have always strived 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. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


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