BBC bosses 'furious' as Giovanni Pernice 'investigation' details leaked
Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice will not return to Strictly Come Dancing this year amidst allegations allegedly made by Amanda Abbington and two other celebrities.
Giovanni Pernice has addressed the "false claims" made against him after he was overlooked for this year's line-up of Strictly Come Dancing. The Italian dancer is being "investigated" by the BBC amidst allegations allegedly made by Amanda Abbington and two other celebrities.
The 33-year-old hit the headlines last year when his celebrity partner Amanda quit Strictly after just five weeks. According to new reports, Giovanni allegedly left Amanda Abbington "bruised" during rehearsals.
The Daily Mail has reported that BBC bosses are "furious" that leaked confidential information of the probe involving Giovanni has been made public. It was announced a few weeks ago that Giovanni would not be included in Strictly this year.
An insider told the publication: "We are talking about a confidential, internal inquiry here yet there are several elements finding their way into the public domain now.
"While it isn't an HR issue, it is an investigation which the BBC are taking seriously. The bosses want to know why this is happening. They want to find the leak. If you are Giovanni here you might be thinking that this is highly unfair.
READ MORE: BBC actress horror as man in hoodie tries to break into her car with her in it [LATEST]
"It also seems quite rum that it is all anti-Giovanni. There is nothing coming out in his favour at all. It's all very strange."
The BBC and a representative of Giovanni Pernice have been contacted for comment by Express.co.uk.
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".
Giovanni has since hit back at the "false claims" on Instagram. He said in a statement: " 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.
I am so happy to be back on tour. 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."
Don't miss...
Ranvir Singh 'very happy on my own’ despite taking next step with toyboy partner [READ ]
Emmerdale and Coronation Street fans rage as soaps axed in Euros chaos [OPINION]
Gary Lineker fires brutal five-word dig to ITV and stokes BBC rivalry at Euros [LATEST]
TM: James and Ola Jordan address Giovanni's Strictly exit
According to The Sun, safeguards are now 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 be implemented to ensure that the contestants are "robust" enough to handle the heightened media attention.
A source told the publication: "Strictly is the jewel in the crown of their schedule, and upwards of 10 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."
