Giovanni Pernice is under fire again as a second show he is involved in has been shelved amid the ongoing investigation into his behaviour backstage.
The professional dancer, 33, quit Strictly Come Dancing earlier this month amid the BBC‘s ‘serious misconduct’ probe – after his recent dance partner Amanda Abbington filed a complaint.
Last week it was said that Giovanni’s BBC travel show Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures, alongside Strictly judge Anton Du Beke, had been put on hold amid the probe.
And on Tuesday it was revealed that Channel 4 programme Celebrity Hunted – which the star filmed last year – had also been postponed indefinitely
A source told The Sun: ‘This will be gutting for Gio, as he’s seen himself get increasing amounts of work beyond the dance show.
Giovanni Pernice is under fire again as a second show he is involved in has been shelved amid the ongoing investigation into his behaviour backstage, The Sun revealed on Tuesday
The professional dancer, 33, quit Strictly Come Dancing earlier this month amid the BBC ‘s ‘serious misconduct’ probe – after his recent dance partner Amanda Abbington filed a complaint
‘It’s particularly galling as Celebrity Hunted is a programme designed as a fundraising and awareness raising vehicle for their Stand Up 2 Cancer appeal.
‘That’s something he very much wanted to be a part of, so it is a huge disappointment to know it probably won’t see the light of day while the investigation is ongoing.
Giovanni filmed Celebrity Hunted – which sees pairs go on the run to try and avoid the hunters [surveillance experts] – in May 2023 with fellow Strictly pro Kai Widdrington.
The dancers were one of four pairs on the show, including pals Christine McGuinness and Duncan James, soap stars Danielle Harold and Kimberly Hart-Simpson and husband and wife duo Denise Welch and Lincoln Townley.
Celebrity Hunted was aired around March in both 2022 and 2023, so fans had expected to see a season around the same time this year.
MailOnline approached Channel 4 and representatives for Giovanni for comment.
The news comes as it emerged an investigation was launched into claims surrounding Giovanni’s behaviour on Strictly Come Dancing, with three of his former partners banding together – Amanda, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh.
Giovanni, 33, 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.
When the allegations came to light, Giovanni said: ‘I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name’ (pictured with Amanda)
Presenter Laura Whitmore is also said to have discussed her experience with Pernice with Amanda Abbington
While the three celebrities making allegations have not been named, Ranvir Singh, who partnered with Giovanni, met with Amanda Abbington to discuss her experience
A source told The Mirror: ‘This has been a really difficult time for Giovanni but the tour with Anton is going ahead.
‘There is no reason for it to be cancelled or even postponed. Gio has not been found guilty of anything, though he is the subject of much speculation.
‘The Back Together tour will go ahead, and he and Anton will be standing up on stage together as they have done for many tours.’
Anton is said to be ‘hugely standing by’ Giovanni Pernice after he quit Strictly Come Dancing amid the BBC’s ‘serious misconduct’ probe.
The pair are appearing together in a live show called Giovanni and Anton Together: The Live Tour, which will begin in June and last until the end of July – and the duo began rehearsals on Monday.
Giovanni posted a video of the pair on his Instagram Stories and the accompanying promo photo shows the two men hugging one another, showing they are the best of friends.
Anton opened the clip by saying: ‘First day of rehearsals, always my favourite day. Second day, less so,’ to which Giovanni laughed.
Meanwhile, Giovanni’s pal Anton Du Beke is standing by his friend as it’s emerged the pair’s tour won’t be axed following the allegations
Anton Du Beke ‘is hugely standing by’ Giovanni Pernice after he quit Strictly Come Dancing amid the BBC’s ‘serious misconduct’ probe
Giovanni was said to be ‘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 and two other women instructed lawyers at Carter Ruck to complain to the BBC.