Strictly Come Dancing 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has opted to remain silent as her professional partner Giovanni Pernice issued a statement on his BBC show future.
After three of his previous partners claimed Giovanni’s training technique left them feeling “uncomfortable” and “broken”. Love Island host Laura Whitmore said his intense teaching style left her “crying every day”, claiming in 2016: “I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with – and in the end I felt broken, I cried every day. And I really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.”
Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington has reportedly been seeking legal advice after quitting the show on “medical grounds” last year, and says she has been diagnosed with “mild PTSD” after starring on Strictly. Ranvir Singh, meanwhile, said: “Don’t be fooled by his angelic face. He is a fiery Italian, super strict. I am a bit scared of him.”
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But Rose, who lifted the Glitterball trophy with Giovanni in 2021, has remained silent amid rumours Gio has quit the BBC show for good. The pro issued a statement on his Instagram page to keep fans in the loop, and Rose neither liked nor commented on the grid post.
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Giovanni wrote: “To my dear fans. 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.
“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.
(Image: @giovannipernice/Instagram)
“Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni,” he penned.
Fans rushed to comment on the post, with plenty name-dropping Rose as an example of Gio’s professional behaviour. One penned: “Giovanni, anyone who saw you with Rose could see the man you are. Keep your head up.”
(Image: Giovanni Pernice Instagram)
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Someone else said: “You should read Dan Walker’s book which describes how Gio acted when Rose’s feet were swollen and could barely walk, he carried her everywhere… sound like the person described by the others? Gio… stay strong, you are amazing.”
Rumours have abounded that a list of pros for the 2024 series of Strictly has circulated at the BBC – without Giovanni’s name on. The BBC, however, has neither confirmed nor denied those claims.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
