Giovanni Pernice gets huge seal of approval from show star amid bullying row as he reunites with Strictly judges
GIOVANNI Pernice reunited with senior Strictly stars yesterday amid a nasty bullying row.
Five people linked to the show have been interviewed by former Met detectives leading an investigation into his behaviour.
But on Sunday he reunited with Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas and her fellow judge Anton Du Beke – appearing to win their seal of approval.
The trio teamed up for Ballandro With The Judges, a series of dance workshops for fans who’ve forked out on tickets to meet the Strictly stars.
Anton, 57, Shirley, 63, and Giovanni, 33, posed backstage and flashed huge smiles after showing off their moves.
Videos revealed the pros leading a routine for hundreds of Strictly fans.
Gio’s girlfriend Molly Brown also shared clips of the TV star coaching the crowds.
Taking to Instagram, Shirley posted a snap with Gio and Anton, and wrote over the top: “Fabulous morning jiving with everybody. Hope you all enjoyed yourselves.”
The Queen of Latin also tagged Gio in a video from her dancing on stage at the event.
It comes after The Sun exclusively reported how Giovanni had made a “lewd” gesture to his dance partner during rehearsals.
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Gio is facing claims he upset partner Amanda Abbington and others with crude remarks.
A source told us: “The BBC inquiry has been told Giovanni’s lewd behaviour wasn’t limited solely to Amanda — 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.”
The new claims come after The Sun revealed the BBC was looking into complaints of bullying against Giovanni from three former celebrity partners, including Sherlock actress Amanda and TV presenter Laura Whitmore.
Amanda, who quit Strictly’s 2023 series, has since claimed she had mild PTSD from working with Gio.
The Sun has also revealed a male celebrity has now joined them in the complaints.
Giovanni, who has quit Strictly, denies all allegations.
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”.