New blow for under-fire Giovanni Pernice as Strictly co-star pulls out of joint gig
GIOVANNI Pernice has been dealt another blow after his Strictly co-star pulled out of a joint dancing gig.
The Italian quit the BBC show earlier this year – despite starting negotiations for another series – and is now under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
Recently, we reported how Pasquale La Rocca, who is a pro on the Belgium version of Dancing with the Stars, had pulled out of the Ballando dance classes he was running with Giovanni, 33.
Now Gio’s Strictly Come Dancing co-star Kai Widdrington, 28, has followed suit, with a statement revealing “other commitments” had come to the fore.
It came shortly after we reported the pair’s partnership for the live show in the summer.
A statement on Ballando’s Instagram page read: “Unfortunately Kai is no longer able to attend on the 28th July due to other commitments… crossed diaries!
“Both Kai and Gio were really looking forward to teaching together again, so we’ll try and find another date that works.
“Gio will still be taking classes on the 28th July – same time, same classes, same location.
“Further to follow re booking! See you soon!”
Kai and his girlfriend and fellow dance pro Nadiya Bychkova were also recently pictured with Giovanni during a rehearsal break.
They are currently on a UK tour together, perhaps prompting the clash.
Meanwhile, Strictly champ Gio is still running Ballando classes with a summer date featuring BBC show judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
DANCE DRAMA
Previously, a trio of Gio’s ex-Strictly partners – including Amanda Abbington and Laura Whitmore – came forward with complaints about him and his behaviour when they were partnered with him on the programme.
Sherlock actress Amanda, who quit Strictly 2023, has since claimed she had mild PTSD from working with Gio.
The Sun has also revealed a male celebrity has now joined them in their complaints.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
A source told us: “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.”
Giovanni, who previously denied any wrongdoing and instructed top legal firm Schillings to fight his corner.
The Sun exclusively revealed how a spokesman for Giovanni said: “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.”
All individual parties are paying the eye-watering legal costs, with the final figure likely to reach upwards of £100,000.
A source previously said: “Giovanni remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong bar being a perfectionist, and a hard taskmaster.
“He wants to hear what allegations these claimants have against him but is adamant he will clear his name.”
