Questions have been raised about why Giovanni Pernice ‘quit’, strictly amid allegations of ‘serious workplace misconduct’ while training three celebrities.
It was reported that he had quit the show on Thursday evening and the next day it emerged that the BBC had launched an internal investigation, just weeks after saying it would not investigate the matter further.
Could this be the reason why Giovanni, 33, decided to leave the show?
The sun reports that he is ‘under investigation due to serious complaints from ‘three traumatized participants’.
Amanda Abbington, 48, has been named along with two unnamed participants as the Corporation now ‘collects evidence’ in the wake of the damning allegations.
Is this why Strictly’s Giovanni REALLY quit the show? Pro dancer ‘investigated into serious complaints from three traumatized contestants as BBC conducts internal review’ – weeks after claiming they would not investigate
The Italian professional, 33, (pictured) has been accused of being ‘too tough’ behind the scenes by some of his former celebrity partners, including Ranvir Singh, 46, Laura Whitmore, 39, and Amanda Abbington, 52, (pictured) , who abruptly left the series last year amid speculation that the pair were not getting along
The Italian professional was previously 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.
A spokeswoman, Carter Ruck, from £700 an hour, told The Sun: ‘Numerous serious complaints have been made to the BBC, who are now gathering evidence.
‘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 investigate Giovanni’s behavior towards Amanda.
A spokesperson said at the time: ‘There is constant dialogue between the senior production team and participants to ensure any issues are addressed quickly.’
It comes after news broke that he left Strictly amid a firestorm surrounding his training etiquette.
It is claimed the scrutiny became ‘too much’ when three of his ex-dance partners disapproved of his ‘militant’ approach.
Giovanni has faced a wave of criticism since his dance partner Amanda (pictured) dramatically quit last year
Laura Whitmore (pictured) and Giovanni pictured. Amanda is said to have met the presenter to discuss her experiences with the dancer during the 2022 competition
The professional dancer is said to want a ‘fresh start’ but is ‘adamant he has done nothing wrong’ after his last celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, 52, led the charge by accusing him of ‘difficult behaviour’ during training.
Amanda, who dramatically withdrew from the competition last year and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after the show, is said to have met Laura Whitmore, 39, and Ranvir Singh, 46, earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare ‘. takes notes about their time working with him.
While the BBC were supportive and keen to sign the professional dancer for his 20th anniversary series, Giovanni has decided not to return after eight years on the show.
“Gio feels the criticism leveled at him has become too much and now it’s time to make a fresh start,” a source told The Sun.
‘He wants to concentrate on other TV projects and feels he has achieved all he can with Strictly, after winning the trophy in 2021 and reaching the final an impressive four times.
‘He remains adamant that he has done nothing but be a tough taskmaster, but knows his style of training is not to everyone’s taste, especially in this day and age.’
Ranvir Singh (pictured) and Giovanni pictured. The Good Morning Britain presenter complained about Giovanni to producers in 2020, during their time on the show (pictured in 2020)
The insider added that Giovanni has many “exciting projects” in the pipeline, which is his priority now.
Giovanni previously defended his training style, saying: “I’m definitely a perfectionist.”
‘Like everyone else, I like to win. But for me it’s more about getting the best out of partners, especially when I see that there is talent there. I want to do my job well.’
A BBC spokesperson would not comment on Giovanni’s departure. They told MailOnline: ‘The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course.’
MailOnline has contacted Giovanni’s representatives for comment.