The BBC has reportedly brought in two former Met Police officers to help in their investigations into former Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice.
As another edition of the show approaches, the professional line-up for this year’s series has now come out. This does not include the Italian hunk and means this is the first season that Giovanni has missed since he joined the show in 2015.
However, the star is currently the subject of an ongoing internal investigation by the channel following accusations of bullying and abuse from former partners, something he vehemently denies. Among those who have come forward with their own claims include Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh.
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As the investigation continues, it has been said that one female plaintiff has already been spoken to, with another two being scheduled for interviews later this week. Speaking to the Sun, an insider for the BBC said that the channel is “taking this extremely seriously”.
(Image: PA)
The source added that the station has even gone as far as to bring in two former Met Police officers to help in the enquiries. They added that the former officers “are conducting all the interviews and have been tasked with gathering evidence – including texts and screenshots – which they will present to corporation executives; Giovanni has not yet been spoken to.”
Pernice continues to vehemently deny all the allegations currently being waged against him. He has also instructed a top law firm to defend him during the BBC investigation
(Image: Getty Images)
Several other celebrity complainants have also reached out to law firms in order to launch their own cases against the Sicilian dancer, who was recently seen getting ready for his new Bailando project, together with fellow Strictly pro Kai Widdrington. This comes as more allegations of abuse surfaced on Saturday when another complainant came forward with their own allegations – which Pernice strongly denied.
In a rare post talking about the scandal on Sunday (June 16), Pernice broke his silence to address the “totally untrue stories” that had been published about him. He also gave his thanks to his fans, who have supported him throughout the course of the debacle.
The full statement read: “To my fans and followers, every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media. As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour – the latest accusations are simply false.”
(Image: Getty Images)
He added: “I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
“I am so happy to be back on tour; thank you all for your continued support your messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni.”
Giovanni continues to be supported by several co-stars and famous-faced fans, who sent the dancer their messages of support in the wake of the post. Blue singer Duncan James was one of the first stars to back Gio, telling him to “stay strong”, as well as Gillian McKeith, who gushed over Pernice, adding: “We love you.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
