The BBC has given Giovanni Pernice the green light to dance on the Italian version of Strictly, the show’s presenter has claimed.
The professional, 34, now stars in Ballando con le Stelle after leaving the British version of the show amid a misconduct investigation.
It comes after his ex-partner, actress Amanda Abbington, made a series of bullying allegations about him behind the scenes of the show last year.
But now Italian Strictly presenter Milly Carlucci has suggested that the BBC’s approval of Giovanni’s inclusion in Ballando con le Stelle “should tell us something” about the allegations.
According The telegraph At a press conference ahead of Saturday’s launch show, Ms Carlucci said: “We were in very close contact with the BBC to understand the extent of these allegations. “It should tell you something that nine months later they still have not responded.
The BBC has given Giovanni Pernice the green light to dance on the Italian version of Strictly, the show’s presenter has claimed.
Italian Strictly presenter Milly Carlucci (pictured) has suggested the BBC’s approval of Giovanni’s inclusion in Ballando con le Stelle “should tell us something” about the allegations against him.
‘If there had been evidence, so to speak, the perpetrator of the Agatha Christie-style crime would have already come to light. It hasn’t come out.
“We have been following the matter with the BBC and they have given us the green light to have Giovanni with us and that should also tell us something because the BBC seems to me to be a very serious company.”
The publication goes on to note that they understand that all casting decisions for Ballando con le Stelle are a matter for the Italian show, and not the BBC.
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
Giovanni reportedly said he would “prefer not to talk” about the ongoing investigation at the same press conference.
Giovanni will be on the program starting this Saturday with his partner, the actress and television presenter Bianca Guaccero.
Giovanni shared a career update on Instagram on Monday after Strictly returned to the BBC following Amanda’s claims he harassed her last year.
The professional dancer shared a video of himself walking through the streets of Italy while talking about his upcoming job.
It comes after his ex-partner, actress Amanda Abbington, made a series of bullying allegations about him behind the scenes of the show last year.
Giovanni will be on the program starting this Saturday with his partner, the actress and television presenter Bianca Guaccero.
Giovanni has been busy rehearsing in Rome for Dancing with the star, with his new partner, the stunning Italian singer and actress Bianca.
Talking about the show he said: ‘Hello everyone, just a quick update on life in Rome. This week is the first week of the live show, which is very exciting and Bianca is doing really well.
“I read many of your messages over the weekend and I am so grateful for all of you.”
Giovanni also confirmed that he will be returning to the UK very soon and has a busy work and touring schedule.
He continued: “I also got a lot of messages asking me: ‘Giovanni, why did you leave the UK?’ I haven’t left the UK at all, in fact I’m back on Sunday for dance class and back in October, November and December too and then back on tour in January until July.
‘At the moment I’m very excited about Ballando con le stelle (Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing), the dancing is going very well. Sending you lots of love, I love you all.’
It is understood the outcome of the BBC investigation was delayed because lawyers for both sides disagreed with the conclusions.
There is said to be internal frustration over the length of time it has taken, given that the investigation began in April.
Some at the BBC are furious that it had to be carried out, considering it to have been “a complete waste of time and money”. Another senior BBC employee said of the dispute: “There are no winners here.”
BBC bosses are also angry that Amanda, 52, hired lawyers to deal with the Corporation over what they saw as a “HR procedure”.
It is understood that the outcome of the BBC investigation has been delayed as lawyers for both sides disagree with the conclusions (Amanda is seen)
After complaining to the BBC when she learned Giovanni was being signed up for the upcoming British series in April, Amanda hired law firm Carter-Ruck.
They represent it for free.
Giovanni, who left this year’s 20th anniversary series due to the start of the investigation, then instructed Schillings.
The law firm has previously represented the Duchess of Sussex, JK Rowling, Johnny Depp and Lance Armstrong.
