“A BBC report into claims Strictly star Giovanni Pernice bullied his partner Amanda Abbington on the show will be released today. After months of waiting, the findings of a probe into Giovanni’s behaviour are due to be published this afternoon. 3 Giovanni Pernice quit the show in May Credit: Getty 3 Amanda Abbington accused Giovanni”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
After months of waiting, the findings of a probe into Giovanni’s behaviour are due to be published this afternoon.
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Giovanni Pernice quit the show in MayCredit: Getty
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Amanda Abbington accused Giovanni on ‘bullying of a sexual nature’Credit: Channel 4The bombshell report comes just weeks after the new Strictly season kicked off without Giovanni.
Sherlock actress Amanda revealed in July on Channel 4 that some of the alleged bullying towards her was of a sexual nature — all of which he strenuously denied.
The 50-year-old broke down in an emotional TV interview about her experiences on the dance show.
She claimed she was being blocked by both Giovanni and the BBC from seeing 50 hours of footage from their rehearsals.
The BBC subsequently began “evidence gathering” in the wake of the damning allegations, which included claims from two other stars.
However, Giovanni, 33, was adamant he had a “bombshell” recording in which Amanda apologised for being a “nightmare” in training.
Giovanni, who quit in May, has since landed a new job on the Italian version of the show – proudly announcing the news on his Instagram last week.
He had performed on the UK version of the show for nine years and had been a fans’ favourite.
During that time, he made the finale four times and won once with EastEnders star, Rose Ayling-Ellis.
But he quit following complaints from Amanda, who partnered him on the 2023 series.
The complaint triggered a probe into his behaviour in the rehearsal room.
Amanda later said it was “disastrously unworkable” and suggested some of Giovanni’s comments were “sexually humiliating” in nature.
The Sun also revealed she was in a rage with BBC bosses over fears their the bullying probe would be a “whitewash”.
A separate source told The Sun on Sunday that during the inquiry Amanda was asked again about an explicit video Giovanni shared with her.
The source said: “In their very first interview with Amanda, investigators told her that they fully believed her account of events.”
But the source added Amanda later felt as if investigators, and others at the BBC, doubted at least some of her complaints.
Amanda quit last October, saying she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on the show.
The inquiry heard she suffered a bruised foot at rehearsals, that Giovanni grabbed his crotch in front of dance partners while making lewd comments, and a phone was thrown across the room.
Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh is understood to have also complained about her treatment by partner Giovanni in the 2020 series.
TV presenter Laura Whitmore, 39, who danced with Giovanni in 2016, also revealed that she complained to the BBC eight years ago about his inappropriate behaviour.
Giovanni, meanwhile, has always maintained his innocence regarding the allegation, and has continued to vow to clear his name.
The star has also seemingly had the support of all four judges, who have since done specialist workshops at Gio’s dance school, Ballando.
In photos posted on his Instagram earlier this month, Gio was seen sipping wine on the luxury boat and topping up his tan in sopping wet black swimming trunks.
Giovanni’s co-star Graziano Di Prima was sacked after video emerged of him kicking and spitting on his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
Previously, Zara broke her silence with a lengthy comment on the alleged “physical incidents”.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
The Sun also revealed that Zara had broken a leg bone in a tough training session during the show last year.
The report, launched at the start of the summer, has reportedly cost taxpayers over £250,000 so far.
In light of the probe, the BBC have now put new duty of care protocols in place, including having chaperones in the rehearsal rooms for the celebrities to monitor what goes on.
The series is celebrating its 20th series this year – with Nick Knowles, Paul Merson, Tasha Ghouri and Pete Wicks in this season’s line-up.
Comedian McCausland, who is the first blind Strictly contestant, JLS star JB Gill, singer Toyah Willcox are among the celebrities other who have joined this year.
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Giovanni performed on the show for nine yearsCredit: PA