Giovanni Pernice left Strictly Come Dancing three weeks ago as the BBC launched an investigation because three former dance partners instructed lawyers to make ‘serious complaints’ over his conduct.
The Mail can reveal that Pernice suddenly removed Strictly from his future work schedule – after he was given a contract by the show’s bosses which he had intended to sign.
Now they have been forced to gather evidence after lawyers served three separate grievances by three different women over Pernice’s behaviour. One is Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington and the other two have not yet been named.
It emerged today that the women had instructed legal firm Carter-Ruck to act on their behalf. Meanwhile, Pernice was enjoying a sunshine break in Dubai with girlfriend Molly Brown.
In a statement to The Sun Carter-Ruck said: ‘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’.
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Strictly bosses have been forced to gather evidence after lawyers served three separate grievances by three different women over Pernice’s behaviour. One is Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington (pictured dancing with Giovanni in October 2023) and the other two have not yet been named
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Giovanni with former dance partner journalist and television presenter Ranvir Singh on October 24, 2020
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Giovanni was partnered with TV presenter Laura Whitmore in 2016
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Giovanni is currently in Dubai on holiday with his girlfriend Molly Brown, who three days ago shared a series of photos with the dancer, referring to him as her ‘best friend’
Despite claims that Pernice had left Ms Abbington and two of his other dance partners, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh, in tears, the BBC were ‘very, very keen’ to see him back in the ballroom for what will be their 20th anniversary series later this year.
It is claimed he quit. The BBC refused to answer questions over the nature of his departure but insisted Strictly’s line-up of professional dancers will be announced in due course.
Pernice is yet to talk about the situation but Strictly sources believe it was news of his new contract – published in the Mail – that may have prompted the three women to lodge their grievances to the BBC.
Just two days after the report, Ms Abbington posted on her social media: ‘Make people feel embarrassed of being associated with misogynists. Make misogyny unprofitable for anyone to pursue. Deprive misogyny of the oxygen it needs to survive.’
One insider added: ‘Amanda was most certainly referring to Giovanni going back to Strictly and surely that was the point that prompted her to go nuclear.’
Despite reports that Ms Abbington had asked the BBC for footage of rehearsals after claiming to have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of appearing on the show, she hadn’t made a formal complaint to the corporation.
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Amanda Abbington pictured struggling with the rehearsals Strictly Come Dancing in 2023
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Abbington faced an intense training regime from Giovanni
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Abbington (right) alongside her Sherlock co-stars Una Stubbs and Martin Freeman
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Giovanni pictured with his arm around girlfriend Molly Brown on a glamorous night out
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In April, Pernice, 33, met Strictly chiefs and they made it clear they wanted him to return. One BBC source said they were ‘welcoming him back with open arms’
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Giovanni posing with his girlfriend Molly Brown during a sun-soaked trip to Dubai
In April, Pernice, 33, met Strictly chiefs and they made it clear they wanted him to return. One BBC source said they were ‘welcoming him back with open arms’.
A Strictly insider told the Mail: ‘Giovanni was all ready to go back, as far as he is concerned he hasn’t done anything wrong and the BBC don’t think so either.’
It was no secret among Strictly staff and stars that Pernice and Ms Abbington didn’t get on well – but in front of the cameras she insisted that was not the case.
She left before the end of the run, citing a medical issue.
Those who know Pernice admit he pushes his partners hard but insist he is no bully. One friend of the star said: ‘Gio is someone who was born to win, he pushes his partners hard.’
In March it was reported that Ms Abbington had met Good Morning Britain’s Ms Singh and television presenter Ms Whitmore to discuss their ‘difficult’ experiences working with him.
This led to ‘tears being shed’, according to sources. But despite Pernice’s friends rebuffing this as ‘three women meeting up for a coffee and a moan’, again, the dancer was ‘upset’.
For many involved with Strictly, the news that Pernice is not returning is sad.
He is the longest-serving male professional dancer and more famous than many of the celebrities that appear.
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