Former Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice could be facing more legal action from Amanda Abbington.
Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, is said to be considering a fresh lawsuit against the star as the controversy surrounding their partnership continues. This is supposedly due to Pernice’s refusal to give up tapes of their time in training.
Italian stallion Gio, 33, was first alleged to have acted with “misconduct” shortly after Amanda decided to walk from the BBC competition after the fifth week. Since then, she has slammed the show for partnering her with the Sicilian dancer, saying that the experience gave her post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Amanda has now launched a formal complaint with the BBC, who have set up an independent investigation into the claims, which Giovanni strongly denies. Several other famous faces have also come forward with their own allegations, including Good Morning Britain star Ranvir Singh and former Love Island host Laura Whitmore.
(Image: BBC)
As part of the claims being made against Giovanni, Amanda had requested tapes of the pair rehearsing so that these could be examined and potentially used in any legal case. However, the BBC refused to give the tapes over, and is now combing through nine years worth of rehearsal footage to pre-empt any potential future claims.
However, sources close to the show have been left wondering “what he had to hide” when he refused to give the green light to give the tapes to Amanda. A source close to the star told The Sun: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
“The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused,” the insider continued. “Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.”
The insider finished: “He claims the allegations are false — she insists they will validate every one of her grievances. To be clear, the BBC are reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously – but there are data implications to them ever being leaked so they are in an unenviable position.”
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
As well as famous faces, a number of people who work with Giovanni – including a choreographer – have come forward with their own stories. However, Giovanni has claimed he is innocent and is “looking forward to clearing his name”.
Despite the investigation being set up to look at claims against Pernice, the inquiry is now being made to probe other matters unrelated to the star. This comes after an insider revealed the BBC would widen the scope of the investigation due to other pressing issues that have cropped up during their enquiries.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
