Strictly Come Dancing stars ‘deeply worried’ about ‘lack of checks’ on celeb partners after Giovanni Pernice row
STRICTLY Come Dancing professionals are said to be “deeply worried” about their celebrity partner’s welfare on the BBC show.
This comes after pro dancer Giovanni Pernice became embroiled in a scandal during his most recent appearance in the dance competition.
He was partnered with Sherlock star Amanda Abbington who quit the series early citing medical reasons.
The actress later claimed she suffered from PTSD after their pairing and has told how he stamped on her during training.
Giovanni has denied these allegations but is reportedly facing legal action from three former Strictly partners over these claims.
The Sun has told how the BBC has now launched an internal investigation.
Professional dancers are now worried they might get complaints if they’re paired with someone vulnerable.
Many reality shows hold strict evaluations with potential contestants to ensure they can cope.
However, it has been revealed that Strictly does not conduct comprehensive tests for its stars.
“Not only are the training regimes very testing, every Saturday night these celebrities who haven’t necessarily danced before find themselves on a ballroom floor dancing live in front of millions of people,” a source claimed to Daily Mail.
“It is quite literally like nothing these stars have done before.
“It is hard, really hard – yet assessments are not put in place.”
The source added that although wellbeing counsellors visit training sessions, the dancer’s reputations are “at huge risk” if their celeb pairing can’t cope with the pressure.
The Sun has contacted Strictly for comment.
Last week, Giovanni had told pals he is quitting the dance show after starting negotiations to do another series.
The BBC was said to be “very keen” to continue working with the Italian, but he is said to be seeking a fresh start on other TV shows.
A source told The Sun: “Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start.
“He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
“He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age.
“He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he’s just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority.”
Gio joined the show in 2015 and has become a fan favourite.
He reached the final in his first year with actress Georgia May Foote, and triumphed in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
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”.