Kate Garraway proved to be an unlikely champion of Giovanni Pernice as she threw her support behind the star following his shock Strictly exit.
It emerged on Thursday that the dancer, 33, had quit the show amid a firestorm over his ‘militant’ training style with celebrities, with the Italian said to have found the scrutiny ‘too much’ to take.
The following day it was revealed that three contestants – Amanda Abbington and two unnamed – had instructed lawyers, prompting an internal review by the BBC.
One star who had previously spoken out about Giovanni’s teaching style was Ranvir Singh, who admitted to feeling ‘scared’ of the Italian when they were partnered in the 2020 series.
Yet her Good Morning Britain co-host Kate, 57, seemed to think differently as she reacted to the initial reports that Giovanni was walking away from the show.
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Kate Garraway proved to be an unlikely champion of Giovanni Pernice as she threw her support behind the star following his shock Strictly exit
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One star who had previously spoken out about Giovanni’s teaching style was Ranvir Singh, who admitted to feeling ‘scared’ of the Italian when they were partnered in the 2020 series
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Ranvir’s Good Morning Britain co-host Kate, 57, seemed to think differently about the Italian dancer (pictured together at the 2023 BRIT Awards)
Speaking on Friday’s episode of GMB, the mother-of-two said she thought Giovanni would be ‘deeply missed.’
Addressing her co-host Rob Rinder on the ITV show, she said: ‘He was great on the show and people love him.’
Kate had appeared on Strictly in 2007 where she was partnered up with Giovannni’s close friend Anton Du Beke.
The broadcaster added she had ‘loved’ watching their TV outings together, such as their new BBC travel programme, Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain.
She added: ‘Giovanni and Anton are great friends and I’ve loved watching those shows as well.’
Ranvir hinted at trouble between herself and Giovanni shortly after rehearsals began for the 2020 series.
She said on GMB ahead of her series launch: ‘Don’t be fooled by his angelic face!
‘He is a fiery Italian, super strict – I am a bit scared of him.’
She managed to make it to fifth place with the dancer, but also talked about having a meltdown in training and ghosted him on social media after the 2020 series.
Fans also noticed Ranvir unfollow her former dance partner a year after the series, before refollowing him.
Some have also raised suspicions at her lack of support for him in subsequent Strictly Come Dancing series.
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The Italian professional had previously been accused of being ‘too tough’ behind the scenes by several of his former celebrity partners including Amanda (pictured)
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TV presenter Laura, who was partnered with Giovanni in 2016, said she felt ‘extremely uncomfortable’ by him and her Strictly experience left her ‘broken’
The Sun now reports Giovanni is being ‘probed over serious complaints made by the traumatised contestants with the Corporation now ‘evidence gathering’ in the wake of the damning allegations.
The Italian professional had previously been accused of being ‘too tough’ behind the scenes by several of his former celebrity partners and Amanda Abbington who abruptly left last year’s series amid speculation the pair did not get along.
The Corporation is now ‘evidence gathering’ in the wake of the damning allegations.
A spokeswoman, from £700 an hour Carter Ruck, told The Sun: ‘There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering.
The BBC said earlier this year that they would not be investigating Giovanni’s behaviour with Amanda, with a spokesperson saying: ‘There is a constant dialogue between the senior production team and contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.’
Sherlock star Amanda revealed she had been diagnosed with ‘mild PTSD after Strictly’ and had received death threats, which were also targeted towards her two children who she shares with ex-Martin Freeman.
TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with Giovanni in 2016, said she felt ‘extremely uncomfortable’ by him and her Strictly experience left her ‘broken.’
It’s believed Giovanni butted heads with Michelle Visage, 55, the RuPaul’s Drag Race judge, in 2019, as well as radio presenter Richie Anderson, 36, the following year.
However, Giovanni had a positive relationship with deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis, 29, who he led to a triumphant victory in 2021, with the pair going onto win a TV BAFTA for their silent dance routine.
Giovanni previously defended his training style, saying: ‘I’m definitely a perfectionist.’
‘Like everybody else, I like to win. But for me it’s more about bringing the best out of partners, especially if I see that there is talent there. I want to do my job properly.’
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Giovanni had a positive relationship with deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis, 29, who he led to a triumphant victory in 2021
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