Giovanni Pernice ‘hires hard-hitting lawyers to clear his name’

Giovanni Pernice‘s travel series has reportedly been shelved by BBC bosses, after an investigation was launched into claims surrounding his behaviour on Strictly Come Dancing.

The dancer has been hit by a string of allegations from former celebrity partners on the BBC show, with the channel forced to investigate ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’ after three of his celebrity partners sought legal help.

Now, it’s been claimed that despite hinting on social media that a second series could be in the works, BBC bosses have told Giovanni that his Adventures With show with Anton will not be renewed.

It comes after it was revealed he is ‘fully co-operating’ with the BBC’s investigation, and has launched a fight back by legal firm Schillings.

A source told The Sun: ‘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.

‘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.’ 

Giovanni has also signed with talent agency Off Limits in a bid to rebuild his profile, after multiple Strictly co-stars remained silent on the claims he’s facing. 

On Wednesday Schillings confirmed they had been hired by the troubled Strictly dancer, in what television insiders describe as a ‘bold move’ after his former dancer Amanda Abbington and two other women instructed lawyers at Carter Ruck to complain to the BBC.

Schillings insisted Giovanni will ‘clear his name’ and ‘fully co-operate.’

In a statement to The Mail, they said: ‘Giovanni… has instructed Schillings International LLP.

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

‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care.

‘Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his rep against accusations against him.’

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The move, some say, means ‘war’ after Amanda claimed at the weekend Giovanni has left her bruised after stamping on her foot.

A source close to Giovanni said: ‘Giovanni has instructed Schillings and is clear he will not be cancelled by spurious and unfounded allegations In the press.

‘He has faith in the process and is fully participating, that is the right and proper forum for all the allegations to be made and reviewed.

‘He is confident he will clear his name, the only substantive allegation is that he stepped on someone else’s toes – an occupational hazard dancing professionally or at a wedding.

‘Giovanni has made no secret that he is a hard taskmaster, that’s what is required on Strictly. 

‘But he has and will deny any allegations of threatening or abusive behaviour.’

Last week The Mail revealed that Giovanni parted company with Strictly three weeks ago amid the BBC launching an investigation into his conduct after a group of his former dance partners instructed lawyers to make ‘serious complaints’ over his conduct.

Giovanni suddenly removed Strictly from his future work schedule shortly after he was given a contract by the show’s bosses which he had intended to sign.

But now they have been forced to gather evidence after lawyers served three separate grievances to them by three separate women over Giovanni’s behaviour. 

In recent days, former Strictly contestants Ellie Leach reportedly unfollowed Giovanni after he rejected any allegations of ‘threatening and abusive’ behaviour.

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Leach’s former dance partner Vito Coppola has also reportedly hit the unfollow button, according to The Mirror. 

Giovanni has also seemingly lost the support of his Strictly partner Rose Ayling-Ellis, who has stayed silent amid the claims.

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

But, in recent days it’s been claimed by sources that Rose is ‘shocked’ by the allegations but ‘believes what the others are saying’ and ‘won’t be speaking about it publicly.’

Giovanni brushed off the scandal surrounding his Strictly Come Dancing exit as he proudly posed with his new puppy on Wednesday.

He has recently returned from a trip to Dubai and Portugal with girlfriend Molly Brown.

There was no reference to the current media storm Pernice finds himself in, following claims that Strictly bosses are bracing themselves for yet more complaints from former contestants. 

The BBC are reportedly scouring nine years of footage from Strictly professional Pernice’s training sessions, as the explosive show scandal continues to rumble on. 

It’s also claimed that Amanda has vowed to leave ‘nothing unsaid’ in her meeting with investigators this week. 

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On Monday evening, 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. 

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

Travis works for ballroom company Burn The Floor alongside numerous former Strictly Come Dancing professionals. 

She was previously considered for a role on the BBC show in 2016 before producers opted for Chloe Hewitt. 

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 Giovanni’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 Whitmore and Singh, 46, earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with him.

Giovanni 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.

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‘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.

‘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!’

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

Last month, the professional dancer 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.

Giovanni’s new business is with Paul Irving, who produced his and other Strictly stars’ tours. 

Paul is also the founder member of The Strictly Foundation, set up to ‘raise funds to place talented youth in stage schools and arts training courses’.

Giovanni’s second firm is called GP Ballando and the nature of its business is ‘cultural education’.

Debbie Lee serves as director after working with Giovanni and other Strictly celebs on their dance classes.

Last year, Pernice turned his hand away from dancing to set up his own cosmetics range GP Vita, selling fragrances for men and women. 

He announced on Instagram at the time that ‘my dream come true is finally here!’ adding: ‘VITA is my new fragrance for men and women – an intoxicating scent that captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily.’ 

As well as teaching, Pernice could be set for a career in Hollywood. The dancer is set to make his film debut this year with insiders predicting he’ll ‘have more acting roles coming his way. 

Pernice has filmed a role in Man & Witch – a heart-warming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the Eighties. 

While Strictly fans may miss seeing him every weekend in the ballroom, there might not be that long to wait to see him back on the small screen. 

Insiders confirmed that Pernice is already mulling over offers away from BBC and he would find it ‘difficult to resist’ a lucrative contract with jungle show I’m A Celeb.