Giovanni Pernice has reportedly “blocked the release of video tapes” taken from his Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals with Amanda Abbington following allegations of bullying in the dance studios, which he denies.
It comes after the Sherlock star requested the footage from her time on the beloved BBC dance competition amid rumours of a feud between the pair. The 52-year-old actress joined the 2023 series of the ballroom show but left halfway through the series due to “medical reasons”.
But the mum-of-two later claimed that the experience left her with post-traumatic stress disorder, and reportedly told friends that she found the Italian dancer’s training methods to be “abrasive”. The pro dancer, 33, has since denied allegations of “threatening and abusive” behaviour in the training room at Strictly – after rumours began to surface surrounding his conduct.
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Giovanni told his fans at the time: “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.
(Image: PA)
“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.”
Amanda later demanded to see the behind-the-scenes footage from their time training together after claiming the dancer had given her PTSD during her time on the show. The BBC reportedly launched an investigation surrounding his behaviour on the show months later.
It came after three of his former partners – including Laura Whitmore – also said they were “met with a difficult time on the show” because of the dancer. However, it has since been reported that Giovanni has blocked the release of the footage from the rehearsal after he’d been instructed to film his training sessions with Amanda.
(Image: PA)
A source told The Sun: “It raises the question, ‘What has he got to hide?’ It doesn’t look good.” According to the insider, Amanda had requested that the tapes be sent over to her legal team.
But it has now been claimed that the BBC “decided to withhold it completely at his request.” They added: “She was told they couldn’t just hand over the tapes to her because they feature another person, Giovanni, not just her.
“He’s entitled for private information or content about him not to be disclosed without his authorisation.” It comes after reports suggested that the ballroom expert quit Strictly after nine years on the show after a leaked internal memo failed to feature his name among this year’s line-up of professional dancers.
(Image: PA)
Although the details of the 2024 edition of Strictly Come Dancing have yet to be revealed, Giovanni is known to have been in talks with the Beeb over his return to the show.
One source stated at the time that the BBC was “welcoming him back with open arms”. The Daily Star has reached out to Giovanni’s representatives and the BBC for a comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
