The BBC will launch a new “duty of care package” amid the fallout from Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly Come Dancing departure, it has been claimed.

Safeguards are to be introduced for celebrities and dancers on the show starting later this year to try and avoid a repeat of the scandal that dogged the last series. The professional dancer hit the headlines last time amid suggestions of training room rows with Amanda Abbington.

Giovanni Pernice
The Italian has denied allegations of “threatening and abusive” behaviour but left the show behind, not included in the official lineup for the next series. Responding to the speculation, Giovanni said in a statement: “Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.”

Execs refuse to take any chances and an army of on-call counsellors will be hand, it has been reported, with an offer of post-show therapy also made. Psychological testing will also be implemented to “ensure the celebs are robust enough to cope with the constant media and online scrutiny” they face.

Amanda Abbington
Amanda Abbington suddenly quit half way through the last series ( 
Image:
PA)

Strictly Come Dancing 2023
Giovanni, 33, is now reportedly under investigation by the BBC ( 
Image:

PA Media)

A duty of care executive has also been appointed and a source told The Sun: “Strictly is the jewel in the crown of their schedule, and upwards of ten million people tune in weekly. That’s a lot of pressure for everyone involved. The BBC is under enormous pressure to ensure this series goes without a hitch. Cameras will be installed pretty much everywhere and a counsellor will be on call 24/7.”

Giovanni has been on the BBC One celebrity dancing show since 2015 when he reached the grand final with Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote. On Monday, the BBC did not announce him as part of its line-up of professional dancers for 2024 following reports that he would not compete.

The Sicily-born pro, a previous winner of the Italian Championships dance competition, was last paired with the actress, who withdrew from the competition in 2023 citing “personal reasons”. He previously rejected allegations of “abusive or threatening behaviour” and said he looks “forward to clearing my name”.

It was also reported Amanda demanded to see behind-the-scenes footage of their time training together. It was said that a BBC investigation had been launched regarding Giovanni after three of his former partners were said to have instructed lawyers. The corporation is said to be “evidence gathering”, while there are claims that “at least one or two more celebrities” have been in contact with lawyers.

Fan favourites including Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will all be returning.

Last month, the dancer issued a statement “rejecting any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour” via his Instagram account. His message read: “To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.