BBC bosses hold emergency meeting over Giovanni Pernice after Amanda complaints

09 January 2024 , 23:03

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The BBC is reportedly backing Giovanni Pernice amid accusations from Amanda Abbington about his behaviour during Strictly dance rehearsals (Image: BBC)

The BBC has reportedly doubled down in its stance in backing Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice following an emergency meeting amid behavioural accusations from Amanda Abbington.

After Italian Giovanni was partnered with Sherlock star Amanda for the 2023 series of the BBC show, their relationship was dogged by rumours of a feud throughout their Strictly journey. Amanda, 51, pulled out the competition after just five weeks, meanwhile, citing personal reasons.

She later failed to appear for the show's final on December 16, and has since revealed that she has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Now, after seeking legal advice, it is claimed the actress has requested footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni who she has accused of having a "militant" and "aggressive" approach to training.

Amanda was reportedly affected by Giovanni's 'militant' training methods

Following other complaints from previous stars of the programme it was claimed the BBC met with Giovanni to discuss his conduct last year, but took no further action. An insider told the Sun: "Some of the professionals and crew feel it needs to be dealt with and Giovanni shouldn’t come back this year. The BBC are standing behind Giovanni and won’t be pursuing an investigation. It’s a shock to some on the show who think something needs to be done about his behaviour."

On Tuesday, meanwhile, Beeb bosses arranged a call between Strictly's executives and Gio's management team and offered the 33-year old their full support once more, according to the Sun. An insider told the publication: "It’s no secret Gio and Amanda had a tricksy relationship — but there are two sides to every story."

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And after checking on the dancer's welfare, and acknowledging he had "faced a hell of a lot of stick" in recent months, they added: "The feeling is he is a tough taskmaster, but hasn’t bullied or abused anyone. The BBC see him as a key face of Strictly and will do all they can to support him."

The BBC also released a strongly-worded statement on Monday which inferred they would have picked up any bad behaviour at the time given their duty of care procedures. A spokesperson for the corporation said: "The BBC offers a comprehensive range of support to all individuals taking part in our shows.

"Strictly Come Dancing has always taken duty of care incredibly seriously and there is a constant dialogue between senior members of the production team and the contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly. Strictly has a proud track record as a joyful, positive experience where robust support and assistance is always made available at every stage of the production."

Giovanni has had issues with his celebrity partners before. In 2016, TV presenter Laura Whitmore said: "I’m still not ready to talk in-depth about my experience on the show. 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 was really broken, both mentally and physically, by the end."

Insiders say Laura was friends with Georgia May Foote who had split with Giovanni before taking part on the show and that this had caused friction. He also had a bust-up with Ranvir Singh in 2020. Good Morning Britain's Ranvir later admitted to having a "total meltdown" in rehearsals, telling co-star Kate Garraway the partnership suffered a "20-minute divorce".

She continued at the time: "We had a quiet moment when we needed time to ourselves. I have to be honest, I had a total meltdown and Giovanni put me in my place. He pointed to his arm, which says, 'Never give up' and says, 'That's just who I am'."

Alan Johnson