Giovanni Pernice left Strictly Come Dancing three weeks ago when the BBC launched an investigation because three former dance partners ordered their lawyers to make “serious complaints” about his conduct.
The Mail can reveal that Pernice suddenly removed Strictly from her future work schedule, after show bosses gave her a contract she intended to sign.
They have now been forced to gather evidence after lawyers filed three separate complaints filed by three different women about Pernice’s behavior. One is Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington and the other two have not yet been named.
Today it emerged that the women had instructed law firm Carter-Ruck to act on their behalf. Meanwhile, Pernice was enjoying a break in the sun in Dubai with her girlfriend Molly Brown.
In a statement to The Sun, Carter-Ruck said: “Numerous serious complaints have been made to the BBC, which is now in the process of gathering evidence.” As this is still an ongoing matter, no further comment can be made at this time.”
Strictly bosses have been forced to gather evidence after lawyers filed three separate complaints filed by three different women about Pernice’s behavior. One is Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington (pictured dancing with Giovanni in October 2023) and the other two are yet to be named.
Giovanni with former dance partner, journalist and television presenter Ranvir Singh, on October 24, 2020.
Giovanni partnered with television presenter Laura Whitmore in 2016.
Giovanni is currently in Dubai on holiday with his girlfriend Molly Brown, who three days ago shared a series of photos with the dancer, referring to him as her ‘best friend’.
Despite claims that Pernice had left Ms Abbington and two of his other dance partners, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh, in tears, the BBC was “very, very interested” in seeing him back in the ballroom for which will be their 20th anniversary series later. this year.
It is claimed that he resigned. The BBC refused to answer questions about the nature of her departure, but insisted that Strictly’s list of professional dancers would be announced in due course.
Pernice is yet to speak about the situation, but Strictly sources believe it was news of her new contract, published in the Mail, that may have prompted the three women to make their complaints to the BBC.
Just two days after the report, Abbington posted on social media: “Making people feel ashamed to be associated with misogynists.” Make misogyny profitable for no one. Deprive misogyny of the oxygen it needs to survive.’
A source added: “Amanda was surely referring to Giovanni returning to Strictly and that was surely the driving point for her to go nuclear.”
Despite reports that Ms Abbington had asked the BBC for rehearsal footage after claiming to have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of appearing on the show, she had not made a formal complaint to the corporation.
Amanda Abbington pictured struggling with Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals in 2023
Abbington faced an intense training regimen from Giovanni
Abbington (right) with his Sherlock co-stars Una Stubbs and Martin Freeman
Giovanni pictured hugging girlfriend Molly Brown on glamorous night out
In April, Pernice, 33, met with strict bosses and they made it clear they wanted him to return. A BBC source said she was being “welcomed with open arms”.
Giovanni posing with his girlfriend Molly Brown during a sunny trip to Dubai
In April, Pernice, 33, met with strict bosses and they made it clear they wanted him to return. A BBC source said she was being “welcomed with open arms”.
A Strictly source told the Mail: “Giovanni was ready to return, as far as he’s concerned he’s done nothing wrong and the BBC doesn’t think so either.”
It was no secret among Strictly staff and stars that Pernice and Abbington didn’t get along, but in front of the cameras she insisted that wasn’t the case.
He left before the end of the race, citing a medical problem.
Those who know Pernice admit that he puts a lot of pressure on his partners, but they insist that he is not a bully. A friend of the star said: “Gio is someone who was born to win, he puts a lot of pressure on his teammates.”
In March it was reported that Abbington had met Good Morning Britain’s Singh and TV presenter Whitmore to discuss her “difficult” experiences working with him.
This caused “tears to be shed,” according to sources. But even though Pernice’s friends dismissed it as “three women getting together to have coffee and moan,” again, the dancer was “upset.”
For many involved with Strictly, the news that Pernice will not be returning is sad.
He is the longest-serving male professional dancer and more famous than many of the celebrities featured.
