Questions have been raised over why Giovanni Pernice ‘quit’ Strictly amid allegations about ‘serious workplace misconduct’ while training three celebrities.
But sources have now told MailOnline the 33-year-old professional dancer walked away from the show because his future was ‘hanging in the balance’.
Bosses of the dance show could not categorically determine his future until the completion of an internal investigation, which is believed to have sparked Giovanni’s decision to quit after almost a decade.
‘Strictly would not be able to terminate his contract until the findings of the investigation are complete, so his future was hanging in the balance.
‘And besides, dancers are offered one-year deals to compete in the show, so it would just be a case of Giovanni not being given a new contract to compete in the next series.
+17
View gallery
Did Giovanni waltz away from Strictly before he was pushed? BBC ‘investigating serious workplace misconduct claims made by three contestants – as sources say he quit because his future on show was hanging in balance’
+17
View gallery
The Italian professional, 33, (pictured) has been accused of being ‘too tough’ behind the scenes by several of his former celebrity partners including Amanda Abbington, 52, (pictured) who abruptly left last year’s series amid speculation the pair did not get along
The source continued: ‘There’s no hiding from fact the complaints lodged by ex celebrity contestants is not a good look for either Giovanni or the show itself.
‘Strictly are taking them seriously which is why the issue is rumbling on.
‘But Giovanni is determined to prove he’s innocent of all accusations, but the stress and unwelcome attention they’ve caused is clearly a reason why he’s looking at pastures new.’
It was reported he had quit Strictly on Thursday night and the following day it emerged the BBC has launched an internal investigation just weeks after saying they wouldn’t be looking into the matter further.
The Sun reports he is being ‘probed over serious complaints made by ‘three traumatised contestants.’
Amanda Abbington, 52, has been named along with two unnamed 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 including Amanda, as well as Ranvir Singh, 46, Laura Whitmore, 39.
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.’
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.
‘As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage’.
The BBC said two months ago that they would not be investigating Giovanni’s behaviour with Amanda.
A spokesperson said at the time: ‘There is a constant dialogue between the senior production team and contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.’
It comes after the news broke that he was leaving Strictly amid a firestorm surrounding his training etiquette.
It’s claimed the scrutiny became ‘too much’ when three of his ex dance partners slammed his ‘militant’ approach.
The professional dancer is said to want a ‘fresh start’ but is ‘adamant he has done nothing wrong’ after his last celebrity partner, Amanda led the charge in accusing him of ‘difficult behaviour’ during training.
+17
View gallery
Giovanni has faced a wave of scrutiny ever since his dance partner Amanda (pictured) dramatically quit last year
+17
View gallery
Amanda is allegedly suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
+17
View gallery
In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she ‘ cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while training with him
+17
View gallery
The Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show
+17
View gallery
Giovanni is currently in Dubai on holiday with his girlfriend Molly Brown, 25, who three days ago shared a series of photos with the dancer, referring to him as her ‘best friend’
+17
View gallery
Sources have told MailOnline the 33-year-old professional dancer walked away from the show because his future was ‘hanging in the balance’
Amanda, who dramatically withdrew from last year’s competition and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the show, is said to have met with Laura and Ranvir earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with him.
While the BBC has stood by him and been keen to sign the professional dancer for its 20th anniversary series, Giovanni has decided to not return after eight years on the show.
‘Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much and now is the time to make a fresh start,’ a source told The Sun.
‘He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
‘He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking – especially in this day and age.’
The insider added Giovanni has lots of ‘exciting projects’ in the pipeline which is now his priority.
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.’
A spokesman for the BBC has declined to comment on Giovanni’s departure. They told MailOnline: ‘The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course’.
He hasn’t completely cut ties with BBC, however, with another insider revealing that the BBC are considering commissioning another travel series with Anton Du Beke following strong viewer feedback.
MailOnline has contacted Giovanni’s representatives for comment.
+17
View gallery
It’s also thought that Giovanni clashed with his 2018 celebrity partner Faye Tozer (pictured)
+17
View gallery
Meanwhile his 2022 partner Richie Anderson has unfollowed him on Instagram
In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she ‘ cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while training with him.
She later wrote for HuffPost UK in 2018: ‘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 really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.’
Good Morning Britain host Ranvir, who reportedly made a complaint against Giovanni to the BBC in 2020, admitted to feeling ‘scared’ of the Italian.
Yet Ranvir’s GMB co-host Kate Garraway had different thoughts on the news, saying during Friday’s episode of Good Morning Britain she thinks Giovanni will be ‘deeply missed.’
Kate had appeared on Strictly in 2007 where she was partnered up with Giovannni’s close friend Anton.
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.’
It’s also thought that Giovanni also clashed with his 2018 celebrity partner Faye Tozer.
The former member of the 1990s band Steps, Faye Tozer, is said to have struggled to work with him and broke down in tears following an appearance together on spin-off show, It Takes Two.
Meanwhile his 2022 partner Richie Anderson has unfollowed him on Instagram.
But other former partners have also come out to back him, including Debbie McGee, the widow of the magician Paul Daniels, who was paired with him in 2017.
+17
View gallery
According to an insider, Giovanni feels like he has achieved everything he can on the show, having lifted the glitterball with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 and got the final several times
+17
View gallery
Debbie McGee previously came out in defence of her former Strictly partner Giovanni
The magician’s assistant, who appeared on the show back in 2017, shared a beaming throwback snap of herself and Italian dancer backstage
+17
View gallery
Another insider revealed that the BBC are considering commissioning another travel series with Anton Du Beke following strong viewer feedback
Giovanni also 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.
Shortly after Amanda’s allegations, Debbie shared a beaming throwback picture of her and Giovanni taken backstage during their stint together. ‘Happy memories, Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly,’ she said in the caption.
Giovanni is currently in Dubai on holiday with his girlfriend Molly Brown, 25, who three days ago shared a series of photos with the dancer, referring to him as her ‘best friend.’
The couple are believed to be staying at luxury hotel Atlantis The Royal, where they have shared idyllic photos from the Cloud 22 Dubai infinity pool.
Giovanni is set to make his film debut this year with insiders predicting he’ll ‘have more acting roles coming his way’ after quitting Strictly Come Dancing.
While a cloud surrounds his Strictly exit, a new career could be around the corner, with Giovanni set to appear in Man & Witch – a heart-warming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the Eighties.
He will appear alongside Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd in the movie, which follows the tale of a lonely goatherd – who cursed at birth to never take a wife – bargains with a witch to reverse the spell if he can complete her three ‘impossible’ tasks.
Giovanni takes on the role of the Master of the Dance, the best dancer in the kingdom and the only person who knows the Dance of a Thousand Steps which is one of the tasks the Witch sets the Goatheard to master in order to find love.
Speaking about Giovanni’s new role, a movie insider told MailOnline: ‘It’s a really fun role where not only does he show his amazing dance talent but also gets to show his comedy and acting chops.
‘He’s in the film with most amazing cast, including some Hollywood legends, so who knows what might happen, he may well find some more acting roles coming his way.’
Giovanni, who also stars alongside Sean Astin (Goonies, Lord of the Rings), Tami Stronach (The NeverEnding Story) and Michael Emerson (Lost).
+17
View gallery
Giovanni is set to make his film debut this year with insiders predicting he’ll ‘have more acting roles coming his way’ after quitting Strictly (pictured in upcoming movie Man & Witch)
+17
View gallery
While a cloud surrounds his Strictly exit, a new career could be around the corner, with Giovanni set to appear in Man & Witch (pictured with co-star Daniel Portman)
Man & Witch premieres in the UK on June 2 and will be released in US at the end of August.
And while Strictly fans may miss seeing him every weekend in the ballroom, there might not be that long to wait to see him back on the small screen.
Insiders have confirmed that Giovanni is already mulling over offers away from BBC and he would find it ‘difficult to resist’ a lucrative contract with jungle show I’m A Celeb.
A source told MailOnline: ‘Giovanni has been under intense pressure and scrutiny following last year’s series of Strictly when Amanda quit.
‘The last thing he wants is for that to continue for him and whoever he could be paired with next so he felt there was no other option but to take a step back from the show.
‘His close friendship with Anton Du Beke has made it difficult, he really wants him to stay and tried convincing him to look past everything that’s happened.’
A TV insider added: ‘With I’m A Celeb round the corner, Giovanni would be a dream signing for producers, especially now he’s looking for new opportunities and a way to hopefully show audiences he’s a good guy.
‘The money ITV could offer would be seriously tempting for him too, plus, he loves a challenge.’
News
Sinitta SH0CKS Loose Women panel with X-R@T3D comment about new BOYFRIEND
Sinitta stunned the Loose Women panel today when she opened up about her new relationship. The Toy Boy star, 60, who used to date media mogul Simon Cowell, has been single for 10 years, but is now delighted with her new man, who…
FATHER CAUSES FURY Tommy Fury’s dad John made CRUEL comment about Molly-Mae and DEFENDED his son during the couple’s SH0CK SPLIT
TOMMY Fury’s dad John once made a cruel comment about Molly-Mae “not being a wife” – appearing to predict the couple would split YEARS before they broke up. The influencer, 25, ended her five-year relationship after being sent an upsetting video of…
MAE DAY Molly-Mae accused of ‘FAKING HOLIDAY’ with Tommy Fury before SPLIT as fans spot TWO HUGE CLUES
MOLLY-MAE’s fans shared a wild theory she faked a holiday with Tommy Fury before their split. The former Love Island stars, both 25, split last week after five years together. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy…
MOVING ON Molly-Mae Hague’s ‘ULTIMATE REVENGE’ on Tommy Fury with new MONEY-SPINNING move in America
Determined Molly Mae Hague is poised to deliver the ultimate knockout blow to dumped Tommy Fury by conquering America. Boxer Tommy, 25, was embarrassingly denied entry to the States last year for a fight after American authorities refused an entry visa after background…
Katie Price’s children ‘ANGRY’ as mum becomes a ‘LAUGHING STOCK’ over new surgery
Katie Price’s children have urged her to stop after she underwent her latest £10,000 facelift. The former glamour model is no stranger to plastic surgery but it’s reported her children want to put a stop to her mum’s desire to…
EXCLUSIVE: Molly-Mae HUMILIATED Tommy Fury, then played the VICTIM, Trust me, there’s more to this SPLIT than meets the eye…
After Molly-Mae Hague’s shock Instagram announcement that her five-year relationship with Tommy Fury was over amid rumours of his infidelity, her eight million fans were so distraught that some said they were ‘actually sobbing’ over the death of the fairytale….
End of content
No more pages to load