Giovanni Pernice’s travel show has been axed by the BBC, we can confirm.
The dancer, 33, and his pal Anton Du Beke, 57, pulled in big ratings with the format since it launched last year, but plans for another series have been scrapped. A BBC insider said: “Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures In… was a big success, but execs have decided to ditch it.”
In recent weeks it has emerged Giovanni is leaving Strictly amid claims he has been abusive behind the scenes. BBC chiefs are said to be keen to “cut all ties” with him.
READ MORE: Giovanni Pernice makes desperate NTAs plea as BBC ‘scours footage for abuse evidence’
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Our insider added: “Execs aren’t planning to do any more projects with Giovanni. They don’t want to commission shows that will be dogged by scandal.” The decision to axe the travel series is the latest blow for Giovanni.
Pals say he is devastated over his career falling apart. A source close to him said: “Giovanni is heartbroken. He feels like he’s losing everything. This has all hit him really hard.”
Giovanni is facing claims he was “bullying and abrasive” to actress Amanda Abbington, 52, when they were paired together on Strictly last year. The BBC has launched an investigation into his behaviour.
But defiant Giovanni has denied the allegations and vowed to clear his name. In a statement on social media, he said: “I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“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.
“I have always striven 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.”
Daily Star has contacted the BBC for comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
