KERRY Katona today waded into the Giovanni Pernice Strictly row.

It comes after The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed how BBC bosses suggested rehearsals between the pro dancer and Amanda Abbington were recorded after several crisis meetings.

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Kerry Katona has given her verdict on Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly rowCredit: Rex

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Strictly bosses suggested rehearsals between Gio and Amanda Abbington were recordedCredit: PA
The row between Giovanni,33, and Amanda, 52, started after she quit Strictly and later claimed working with him had given her “PTSD”.

Since then, more of his former dancer partners have also reportedly made a complaint about him, due to his alleged behaviour in the rehearsal studio.

Now Kerry Katona has given her verdict on Gio and the Strictly row.

Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “I understand taking your job seriously, but you can’t be too strict.

“People want to do better when you’re kind to them and treat them with respect.

“I had the most amazing partner in Daniel Whiston when I was on Dancing On Ice and it made me want to work harder.

“I’d love to do Strictly no one would dare shout at me, though!”

Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday revealed that, upon reviewing video footage from rehearsals, senior BBC execs were so dismayed by his behaviour they insisted he apologise to Amanda.

The BBC launched an internal investigation last month into serious workplace misconduct after receiving complaints from previous dance partners, including actress Amanda and TV presenter Laura Whitmore.

They are being represented by lawyers Carter Ruck.

The Sun’s Clemmie Moodie takes us inside the toxic battle threatening to rip Stricly apart
A source said: “The female executives realised there was a serious problem with Giovanni’s teaching style so installed cameras and a crew member to take notes on a log after about two weeks of them starting training.

“When the women reviewed the footage they were shocked by what they saw and asked Giovanni to apologise for his behaviour.”

A spokesman from the BBC declined to comment, but asked that we refrain from naming the producers.

Last week The Sun on Sunday revealed how the BBC investigation was told that Italian-born Giovanni sent a celebrity dance partner an offensive video clip.

He is alleged to have sent the clip via WhatsApp ahead of filming one of the live Saturday night shows.

He did not make, commission or appear in the video.

The BBC issued a statement about its investigation into Giovanni –  without naming him or the show.

The dancer faces a string of allegations over his training regime. He denies all allegations.

Last week the BBC said: “We have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show.

“We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality.”

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”.