Giovanni Pernice is battling allegations of ‘threatening and abusive’ behaviour in the training room at Strictly Come Dancing – which the star strongly denies

Giovanni Pernice allegedly sent one of his Strictly Come Dancing partners a “grossly offensive” video, a BBC probe has reportedly been told.

The dancer, 33, is battling allegations of ‘threatening and abusive’ behaviour in the training room at Strictly – which Giovanni strongly denies.

The BBC is said to have launched an internal investigation after receiving complaints from the Sicilian’s previous dance partners on the show, including TV presenter Laura Whitmore and actress, Amanda Abbington, who claims she was left with PTSD after her time on Strictly last year.

The BBC’s team has now been presented with a new claim, according to reports, as they look into Giovanni’s workplace conduct. The Italian is alleged to have sent an “offensive” clip via WhatsApp to one of his Strictly partners ahead of filming one of the live Saturday night shows. He did not make, commission or appear in the video.

Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, said she suffered from PTSD after the show (
Image:
BBC)

A source said: “The BBC was told about the video clip and that someone found the content completely inappropriate, grossly offensive. The BBC was told the celebrity was shocked and upset to receive it on a WhatsApp message, hours before the couple were meant to be dancing together on live television.

“They were told they felt intimidated by it. The women are being incredibly brave in speaking out, especially as a lot of them are going up against vicious messages from his loyal fans,” reports The Sun.

Promoted Stories

Giovanni has strongly denied the allegations against his training technique and was backed by his legion of loyal fans on Sunday when he popped up in a promotional video for plush Portuguese hotel, Perola.

Parading around in the sun with his girlfriend, Molly Brown, the dancer clinks glasses with the model, before swimming – in slow motion – in a crystal clear pool while flogging his cologne, Vita, which also features in the ad.

Captioning the clip, Perola gushed: “Immerse yourself in Gio & Molly’s glamorous escape on Madeira Island. Our world-class dancer chose one of our off-grid sanctuaries to celebrate life, success, and love. You too can embrace the serenity of this hidden gem, where tranquility meets opulence.”

The dancer’s followers threw their support behind him amid his Strictly woes as one gushed: “Absolutely Stunning. You deserve all the success that you so deservedly Earn, You are so respected for being YOU a dedicated hard working Lovely man who seems to put others first to make them shine, Bravo Gio.”

Another referred to reports the star has quit Strictly, saying: “You will be SO missed on Strictly I won’t be watching it now good luck for the future.”

The Mirror has contacted the BBC and Giovanni’s reps for comment on this story.