Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has been hit with fresh claims over mistreatment in the training room – just moments after speaking out about Amanda Abbington’s early exit for the first time.
The ballroom dancer’s ex partners Laura Whitmore, Ranvir Singh and Amanda have reportedly met up to speak about their “difficult experiences” competing with the Italian dancer. The celebrities are thought to have reached out to one another on social media before they met up last week.
It is understood there were “tears being shed” in the intimate meeting as they discussed their experiences competing on the BBC dance competition with Giovanni. It comes after actress Amanda, 52, quit the show back in October citing “personal reasons” and said that she was “so sad” she was unable to continue.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice says ‘it’s a shame’ as he addresses Amanda Abbington’s exit
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It later emerged in January that she had been diagnosed with mild PTSD and revealed that she was flooded with death threats after she left. The BBC were left “puzzled” after she requested to see video footage taken during their rehearsals together as part of a potential legal claim against the dancer.
(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
A source told the Mirror back in January that Strictly bosses never received any formal complaint from the Sherlock star about her dance partner. Giovanni recently broke his silence on Amanda’s exit from the show on the Mirror’s Invite Only podcast.
He revealed to listeners that he had believed Amanda had potential to go all the way and win the competition. The dancer said: “It’s a shame because, in my opinion, she could have gone all the way.
“I am a perfectionist, 100%, but it comes from a perspective of caring. I think all of the professional dancers are in the same place. In every single part of the world, if you’re a professional dancer on one of these shows, you have to get these people looking the best they can on Saturday night.”
(Image: BBC)
Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir, 46, complained about her experience with Giovani to producers during her time on the show back in 2020. Meanwhile, ex-Love Island presenter Laura said that training with him in 2016 left her “crying every day”.
A source told The Sun: “All three had difficult experiences with Giovanni, who is well known to be intense during training. They met in person to share their experiences.
“Their meeting was emotional but heart-warming. They now know they are there to support each other after their tough times with Giovanni. Tears were shed.”
(Image: BBC)
The insider went on to explain that there is a “possibility” the trio could take their complaints further and “formally complain to the BBC.” They added that there are only a handful of people who know what it’s like to be trained by Giovanni and he is known to row with his partners.
The BBC confirmed in January that it wouldn’t be investigating into Giovanni’s behaviour with Amanda on the show. A spokesperson said at the time: “There is a constant dialogue between the senior production team and contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.”
A source also claimed that Amanda is “lining up a well-known lawyer” to help her gain access to the unaired footage of their rehearsal tapes. Debbie McGee, who competed with the Italian dancer in 2017, was quick to rush to his defence in January and declared she had “happy memories” with the pro.
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
The hunk is still close friends with former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who he won with in 2021, and he has spoken about how she has “changed his life”. However, he is believed to have clashed with Steps singer Faye Tozer in 2018, while Richie Anderson unfollowed him on Instagram after the show.
A source close to Giovanni previously said: “Gio finds some of these allegations deeply unfair and offensive. He believes he’s done nothing wrong, and simply wants to get the best out of his partners.”
It is unknown whether Giovanni will be returning to Strictly this year, but a spokesperson for the show has confirmed that the professional line-up will be announced “in due course”. Daily Star has reached out to BBC, Giovanni Pernice, Laura Whitmore, Ranvir Singh and Amanda Abbington for a comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
