BBC bosses ‘are scouring nine years of footage from Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly training sessions as they brace for more complaints’ – amid probe into ‘serious misconduct claims’

BBC bosses are reportedly scouring nine years of footage from Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice‘s training sessions, as the explosive show scandal continues to rumble on.

Sources claim that bosses are bracing themselves for yet more complaints from former contestants, after being forced to investigate ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’ after three of his celebrity partners sought legal help.

It’s also claimed that Amanda Abbington – one of the three stars who have filed complaints against Giovanni – has vowed to leave ‘nothing unsaid’ in her meeting with investigators this week. 

The actress claimed she was left with PTSD following her time on the show last year.

Giovanni has strenuously denied any wrongdoing, writing on social media: ‘I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour and I look forward to clearing my name.’

Sources claim that bosses are bracing themselves for yet more complaints from former contestants, after being forced to investigate ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’

A source told The Sun: ‘Amanda believes she has a duty to ensure the truth comes out.

‘There’s a suggestion this is all about Giovanni simply being a strict trainer and someone who pushes people too hard. It’s about a lot more than that.

‘Meanwhile the BBC who have, until now, dragged their heels on this developing story, are duty-bound to investigate the matter fully to get to the bottom of these complaints.’

Insiders added that bosses are now scouring hundreds of hours of footage so a ‘full and frank verdict can be reached.’

A representative for the BBC declined to comment. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Giovanni Pernice for comment.

Away from Strictly, on Monday a professional dancer accused Giovanni of ‘horrendous’ behaviour.

Industry colleague Korina Travis, who performed with Pernice at private functions and has no association with Strictly, accused the Italian dancer of behaving questionably when they worked together. 

‘I’ve known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me,’ she said in a statement. 

Amanda Abbington (pictured) is one of the women named in the suit, while the likes of Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh have also been critical in their review of him

The professional dancer shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies

She added: ‘I will not speak about my experiences with him… I’ll leave it at that.’ 

Former Strictly contestants Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh have all critical in their review of Pernice’s methods. 

According to The Sun, several women who have danced with the Italian on Strictly are contemplating joining the three existing claimants in a Beeb investigation for ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’.

A source disclosed that several former dance partners of Pernice’s have been communicating privately and suggested that even more names could come forward.

The source went on to say that the future is unclear for the professional dancer, who vehemently denies any claims of threatening or abusive behaviour and has vowed to ‘clear his name.’

They revealed: ‘Numerous celebrities, all former partners of Gio’s, have been in contact with one another behind the scenes.

‘Three women that we know of have come forward, and taken things a step further with legal action.

‘But Carter Ruck, the prestigious firm acting on behalf of these stars, have quietly been speaking to one or two other potential claimants. In other words, more names could come out of the woodwork.’

The fresh claims come after the professional dancer reportedly quit Strictly after the scrutiny became ‘too much’.

Off the back of Pernice’s departure, friends close to Amanda spoke about how she found the pro dancer ‘abrasive’ and would have to have ‘crisis talks’ with show bosses every week after being left in floods of tears at his ‘tough’ training method with claims it left her ‘bruised‘.

Amanda, who dramatically withdrew from last year’s competition and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the show, is said to have met with Laura and Ranvir, 46, earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with him.

Pernice shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies.

He said in a statement: ‘You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

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

‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

Pernice’s former partner Rose Ayling-Ellis reportedly admits she believes what others are saying amid BBC probe into ‘abusive behaviour’ (pictured in 2021) 

‘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.

‘Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!’

Following his statement, Pernice was dealt a fresh blow after friend and former Strictly dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis announced she would ‘not be getting involved’ while he fights ‘to clear his name’ amid a probe into his workplace conduct. 

It was believed Pernice was still on good terms with Rose, who he won Strictly Come Dancing with in 2021. 

Now though, it’s been claimed that Ayling-Ellis is ‘shocked’ by the allegations but ‘believes what the others are saying’. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Rose is finding the whole situation really tough. She had a really great experience with Gio so is really shocked by it all.

‘She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won’t be speaking about it publicly.’

The news will no doubt come as a surprise to Pernice, who had a positive relationship with the deaf contestant Ayling-Ellis, 29, whom he led to victory in 2021, with the pair going on to win a TV BAFTA for their silent dance routine.

Now, Pernice looks set to be planning a whole new career after leaving Strictly under a cloud. 

Last month, the professional dancer, 33, quietly set up two new companies, which suggest that he’s embarking on a life outside of the BBC show and heading for the classroom.

The Latin and Ballroom champion filed Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House, which relates to the ‘operation of arts facilities’.

This suggests that he’s making a move to create his own dance school, similar to ones set up by other performers such as Kevin Clifton.