Strictly's Giovanni issues defiant statement after 'lewd' behaviour claims in BBC probe

Giovanni Pernice has shared a new defiant post about "clearing" his name as the BBC continues to look into complaints about his teaching methods by three of his ex Strictly Come Dancing partners. Taking to his Instagram, the 33-year-old shared a post on his grid for the first time in 11 days to confirm that he is co-operating with the investigation and also to shut down new allegations against him.

A source told The Sun on Saturday night: "The BBC inquiry has been told Giovanni’s lewd behaviour wasn’t limited solely to Amanda (Abbington) - he did similar to other dance partners as well. It's alleged he would grab his crotch in front of them if they did something good in rehearsals."

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Giovanni wrote on his page: "To my fans and followers, every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media. As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.

"The latest accusations are simply false. I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth."

Giovanni said despite the accusations, he is "so happy to be back on tour" with Anton Du Beke. He concluded: "Thank you all for your continued support – you messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni."

In the comments section, many of his 1.1 million followers sent supportive messages including Blue star Duncan James, who wrote: "Stay strong my friend. The truth always comes out in the end. Sending u love my bro."

Gillian McKeith added: "Stay strong. Your dedication and incredible talent will always shine brighter."

A fan typed: "I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Gutted you’re not going to be on strictly this year. Hopefully you’ll be back next year! Stay strong."

"The way in which you’ve conducted yourself throughout this entire madness has only made me admire and respect you even more. You’re a class act Gio both on and off the dance floor. Love you lots x," a fourth commented.

The professional dancer has been embroiled in controversy for months after dancing with Amanda last year.

After leaving the show just five weeks into the competition, she later revealed she had suffered from PTSD "for several reasons".

Last month, a spokesman for law firm Carter Ruck told Express.co.uk that the BBC were "gathering evidence" after three of his former dance partners put forward complaints.

He 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."

A spokesman for Giovanni later told The Sun: “Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.

“As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants."

The BBC has since confirmed that Giovanni will not be returning to Strictly later this year.

He had been a part of the professional line-up for nine series, winning once with Rose Ayling-Ellis back in 2021.