Strictly's Giovanni Pernice dealt further blow as star 'hit by complaint from male celeb'

However, now a male celebrity has reportedly joined the three females who have made complaints about Giovanni Pernice's conduct behind the scenes. According to a new report, the mystery celebrity has joined Amanda Abbington and two others who previously worked with the Sicilian pro, by getting in touch with their lawyer to share his experiences.

A source published in The Sun claimed: "After three women came forward, a man has now joined their ranks. He personally reached out to the women at the heart of this unfolding crisis, offering them his support and full backing."

They added: "He has also been in touch with Carter Ruck and told them what he knows, and shared his experiences. These experiences were, at times, very tricky.”

Amanda Abbington reported last year that she'd had "mild PTSD" after announcing she was withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing early for personal and medical reasons. However, Giovanni is said to have instructed law firm Schillings to help clear his name.

Express.co.uk has approached a representative for Giovanni for comment. The pro dancer is thought to have quit the show in the wake of the scandal, although no official announcement on the 2024 line-up has been made yet.

After the complaints surfaced, it was discovered that Giovanni and his model girlfriend Molly Brown had left the country: first travelling to Dubai for a sunshine break and then heading to the Portuguese island of Madeira.

Following that, the pair had a short staycation at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, while a ring spotted on Molly's wedding finger raised questions about whether they'd got engaged.

She and Giovanni also purchased a Pomeranian puppy, and photos of them affectionately cuddling it appeared on Instagram.

He has received support from loyal fans over the complaints made, with his denial post on Instagram racking up more than 131,000 likes.

In it, he wrote: "You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods... Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."

He continued: "Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

"I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners."

Back in March, Giovanni had insisted he was not quitting Strictly, although reports has since surfaced suggesting otherwise.

However, his Together tour with Anton Du Beke is expected to go ahead as planned, with the first date on June 14.