Giovanni Pernice: BBC launches investigation into the Strictly dancer as he starts new company

For the last nine years, every Strictly fan has looked forward to Giovanni Pernice and his partner as the show returns to our TV screens. Not just his incredible dance moves but also his dapper looks to keep the viewers glued on him. Despite the fan following, Giovanni recently decided to quit Strictly Come Dancing in what seemed like a sudden career move.

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The decision came after Giovanni’s former celeb partner Amanda Abbington united with his other former Strictly partners - Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh - and discussed his behaviour while training.

The real reason why Giovanni Pernice quit the show revealed

While it was briefly believed that BBC was protecting their pro dancer, a new report confirms that the broadcaster has launched an investigation following accusations made about his behaviour. According to The Sun, three of his ex-partners contacted a top law firm to make ‘numerous serious complaints’ about him. They hired a £700-an-hour legal firmCarter-Ruck, which specialises in media law and reputation management, who wrote at least three separate letters to the Corporation.

The BBC is now understood to be ‘evidence gathering’ for the accusations and has also contacted all of Giovanni’s former Strictly partners for comment. The broadcasting channel is said to be experiencing ‘troubled times’ as they are forced to investigate ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’ against Giovanni. A source revealed:

These are troubled times for the BBC – this is a nightmare situation, frankly.

Metro.co.uk reports that rumblings have been going on for months against Giovanni, but the channel ‘steadfastly declined’ to launch any investigation against the 33-year-old professional dancer. However, they had to give up when three celebs - whose names have not yet been revealed - became ‘incredibly brave’ and stuck ‘their necks above the parapet.’

Meanwhile, Giovanni has issued a statement insisting that he will clear his name of all the accusations against him. It is understood that the Italian hunk has also contacted legal firm Schillings - Privacy Reputation and Security Experts to fight his case. They have previously represented JK Rowling, Brad Pitt, Naomi Campbell, Liz Hurley and the Royals. A spokesperson for Giovanni told The Sun:

Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.

A source close to Giovanni shared that the dancer is keen to clear his name and ‘will not be cancelled by spurious and unfounded allegations in the press,’ confirms MailOnline. Meanwhile, Giovanni defended himself with a new statement on Instagram. Addressing his ‘dear fans’ Giovanni showed surprise at the allegations against him and said:

Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

Adding that he has always been ‘passionate and competitive’ on Strictly, he urged that all his training methods emerge from the wish to win the show and no ulterior motives. Giovanni explained:

No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.

Concluding the message he thanked his fans for all their love and support.

Giovanni faces new blow as BBC axes his show with Anton Du Beke

Previously it was claimed that while Giovanni may not return to Strictly, he would still get a third series for his spin-off showGiovanni and Anton’s Adventures in Spain. However, with an investigation being launched against him, insiders revealed that the show bosses have scrapped the third instalment of his show. A source confirmed:

Giovanni and Anton had conversations about another travel show and had discussed where they could go next after their trips to Sicily and Spain.

But Giovanni has now been told this won’t be happening and there will not be another series.

Giovanni and Anton have travelled to Sicily and Spain together for the show and were brainstorming for the third destination before the show. On the other hand, the pro dancer ‘actively hinted’ there would be a next series. The source added:

It’s embarrassing because he’d actively hinted about getting another run but all discussions are off and he’s been told the show is on the scrap heap now.

What is next for Giovanni in his career after Strictly exit?

With everything that has been going on with Giovanni, one would think he has no career plans for the time being. But the Strictly pro made a surprising move recently even before his exit from the show. Express confirms that he has set up Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House. Meaning, the dancer plans to start his own dancing school. He is teaming up with Paul Irving - who also produces the Strictly StarsTour.

Pernice also has a second firm GP Ballando which specialises in cultural education. Last year, he launched his own cosmetic range GP Vita that sold fragrances for both men and women. Later this year, he is set to make his Hollywood debut in Man & Witch alongside Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd.

What’s more? An insider told The Sun that I’m A Celeb bosses are ‘desperate’ to get him into the jungle this year. They told the publication:

Giovanni would be perfect for the jungle.

ITV bosses have wanted him for years and now he is finally free. Everyone is really eager to get him on board - he really would be ideal for those jungle showers.

Since Giovanni is not going to Strictly this year, show bosses believe he will have some free time on his schedule around that time and will happily take the offer. The source added:

He'll have finished touring and will have those months free now he's not doing Strictly. They are expected to offer him big money and he's unlikely to turn it down really.