Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice puffs on cigarette as he visits two casinos before lunch

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice looked downtrodden as he visited two casinos before lunchtime, while puffing on a cigarette.

The professional dancer, 33, headed out in Kensington this week. At 9:45am he visited the Silver Time Casino, before heading to Admiral Casino and Slots at around 10:45am – leaving around midday. The dancer was seen lounging outside each venue with a cigarette in hand, scrolling on his phone as he took a smoke break.

Afterwards, Giovanni enjoyed a pastry at Paul Bakery in Kensington, in what marks his first public appearance since his co-star Shirley Ballas defended him as a “true gentleman”, claiming the bullying allegations were “blown out of proportion”.

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Giovanni rocked a white T-shirt with the Italian flag on, along with a pair of loose black joggers and white trainers with red and green matching stripes. He didn’t seem fazed by anything as he coiffed his dark hair into its usual style.

It comes after Giovanni was accused of making “lewd gestures” to his Strictly partners after it was confirmed he will not be returning to the BBC show. Giovanni has denied all the allegations, releasing a statement which 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. 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.”

He added: “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.”

One source claimed to The Sun of his alleged behaviour: “The BBC inquiry has been told Giovanni’s lewd behaviour wasn’t limited solely to Amanda — he did similar to other dance partners as well. It’s alleged he would grab his crotch in front of them if they did something good in rehearsals.”

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Other allegations said to have been heard in the BBC inquiry are that a mobile phone was thrown during a rehearsal with Amanda Abbington, with her foot allegedly left bruised after being stamped on. Amanda now claims she was left with PTSD after withdrawing from the show “on medical grounds”.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk