ANT McPartlin’s ex Lisa Armstrong has despatched help to Strictly Come Dancing’s under-fire star, Giovanni Pernice.
The controversial skilled dancer, who’s being investigated by the BBC after at the least three of his former superstar companions made complaints about him, broke his silence final evening in an announcement.
Addressing his followers on instagram, he wrote: “To my expensive followers,
“You’ll be as shocked as I’m that allegations have been made about my dance educating strategies within the media this week.
“In fact, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look ahead to clearing my title.
“Those that have adopted my journey on Strictly Come Dancing during the last decade will know that I’m passionate and aggressive. No-one is extra bold for my dance companions than me.”
He continued: “I’ve at all times striven to assist them be the easiest dancers they are often. This has at all times come from a spot of affection and desirous to win – for me and my dance companions.
“Thanks all as soon as once more in your continued love and help!”
The submit has already racked up over 77,000 likes – and one among them is from Lisa.
Lisa works on Strictly as head of make-up, so is aware of Giovanni behind the scenes and has labored with him for years.
Lisa – who’s reportedly struggling within the wake of her ex Ant changing into a dad for the primary time, didn’t add a remark however clicked on the ‘coronary heart’ to point out her help.
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One other Strictly star who additionally preferred the submit was former champion Jamie Laing, who completed as runner up within the 2020 sequence.
Giovanni has at the moment escaped the storm by vacation in Madeira along with his girlfriend Molly Brown.
The pair have been snapped kissing on the street throughout a romantic stroll collectively.
Giovanni declined to remark when approached by The Solar on Sunday whereas staying on the Portuguese island.
He advised our reporter: “You received’t get any quotes from me, sorry.
“I’m on vacation proper now. I’m not gonna give any feedback.”
It comes amid claims Giovanni ‘stamped on Amanda Abbington’s foot’ whereas paired along with her on the BBC competitors final 12 months.
The Solar revealed that the actress, 52, advised friends on the time she felt he was “abrasive” throughout rehearsals.
A present supply advised The Solar on Sunday: “Giovanni had a tricky coaching technique. Amanda could be bruised.”
The supply continued: “Amanda had a horrible expertise with Gio.
“She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She could be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried each avenue to attempt to make it work.
“There could be disaster talks each Friday after producers watched again the video footage of their rehearsals however it could at all times find yourself poisonous once more by the tip of the next week.
Earlier this week, The Solar advised how at the least three former superstar dance companions had raised complaints to London-based authorized agency Carter-Ruck.
Out however scandal not over
BY Leo McKinstry
STRICTLY star Giovanni Pernice has lengthy been one of many golden boys of the BBC.
Ever since he first graced our screens in 2015, he has been a agency favorite with the present’s followers and the company’s administration.
Together with his Latin seems to be, dazzling strikes and charisma, the Sicilian stallion made the rankings soar and viewers swoon.
However now, engulfed by critical complaints about his behaviour in the direction of superstar companions within the present, he has gone from golden boy to Tin Man.
He denies the claims, saying his strategies stem from being a “100 per cent perfectionist”.
Regardless of this, Gio sensationally give up the present on Friday.
However his departure is probably not sufficient to cease an explosive controversy if it turns into clear that the broadcaster was nicely conscious of the considerations however disregarded them, regardless of having an obligation of care to contestants.
The BBC has now launched an investigation.
However having stood by Gio for therefore lengthy and apparently even having supplied him a brand new contract, this transfer smacks of determined, face-saving cynicism.
For all of the company’s posturing about equality and nil tolerance of bullying, was the impulse on this saga to guard the BBC’s title somewhat than oppressed ladies?
If that’s the case, it could show to be a flawed technique that would now end result within the largest scandal within the present’s 20-year historical past.
The agency then wrote to the BBC.
Certainly one of them complainants is TV’s Laura Whitmore, Gio’s associate in 2016, and she is going to discuss to the BBC investigation in particular person within the coming weeks.
Persephone Bridgman Baker, at Carter-Ruck, stated: “There have been quite a few critical complaints made to the BBC who at the moment are within the means of proof gathering.”