Strictly bosses make huge change to 2024 series after Giovanni Pernice exit
Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has quit the show after eight years. He won the BBC show in 2021 with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
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Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly introducing "duty of care packages" to celebrity partners in the upcoming series. The decision comes in the wake of professional dancer Giovanni Pernice departing the BBC dance competition.
The Italian dancer hit the headlines last year when his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington quit Strictly after just five weeks. According to new reports, Giovanni allegedly left Amanda Abbington "bruised" during rehearsals.
According to The Sun, safeguards are being introduced for dancers and celebrity contestants on the show, including counsellors and the offer of post-show therapy.
They also reported that psychological testing will also be implemented to ensure that the contestants are "robust" enough to handle with the constant media.
A source told the publication: “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.
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“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.” Express.co.uk have contacted the BBC for comment.
Amanda Abbington reportedly told friends that Giovanni was “abrasive” during rehearsals. A source told The Sun: “Giovanni had a tough training method. Amanda would be bruised...
“She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down." The source added that Amanda felt she had "tried every avenue to try and make it work".
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It was confirmed earlier this week that Giovanni would not be in the line-up of professional dancers for the 2024 series of Strictly. A few weeks earlier, bosses were reportedly "undecided" on whether to give Giovanni a celebrity partner.
The Italian dancer has previously opened up on a podcast about his intense training regime, insisting he just wants to get the most out of his celebrity partners.
Giovanni even defended himself following the alleged reports of "tension" with Amanda. Speaking on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast alongside fellow dancer Anton Du Beke, he broke his silence following her exit from Strictly.
He shared: "It's a shame because, in my opinion, [Amanda] could have gone all the way." Anton said: "I thought you and Amanda were marvellous. I thought you were terrific."
Giovanni continued: "In every single part of the world, if you're a professional dancer on one of these [Strictly] shows, you have to get these people looking the best they can on Saturday night."
Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year on BBC One.
