Giovanni Pernice is reportedly quitting Strictly Come Dancing after facing allegations of “tough training methods” from previous female dancing partners.
Pernice is believed to be seeking a fresh start on other TV shows.
An internal memo of this year’s professional dancers for the show has been circulated without his name.
The news follows tensions between the BBC star and Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington – his celebrity partner last year.
Giovanni Pernice is reportedly quitting Strictly Come Dancing after facing allegations of “tough training methods” from previous female dancing partners
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“Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start,” a source told The Sun.
“He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
“He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age.”
A BBC spokesperson did not immediately deny the reports telling GB News: “The Professional Dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course.”
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Pernice’s former dancing partner, Abbington left the show in October last year following a series of arguments.
The 52-year-old was partnered with Pernice in the 2023 series of the dance programme but made an early exit five weeks in despite being among the favourites to lift the Glitterball Trophy in the competition.
She claimed to have been left with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) as a result of her time on the programme and reportedly sought legal advice about her time on the show as well as demanding footage from rehearsals.
At least three other celebrities were also said to have struggled with Pernice’s methods – including Laura Whitmore, Ranvir Singh and Richie Anderson.
Pernice’s former dancing partner, Abbington left the show in October last year following a series of arguments
His exit comes four weeks after he began contract talks with the BBC to do another year.
The source added: “Many of the other dancers, who take their work extremely seriously and try to give the celebs the best experience possible, have been mortified by recent headlines.
“He’s not the easiest guy to work with, because he’s such a sportsman in his desire to succeed, and has fallen out of favour with some of the female professionals especially.
“They’ve all been told he’s quitting, and think it’s the right decision for everyone involved with the production.”