The unfolding story has proved immensely divisive. Without being in the room or seeing the BBC footage, there is no way to know exactly what went on. For this reason, perhaps, the majority of Pernice’s former celebrity partners on Strictly have stayed quiet on the matter, though Debbie McGee, a former dancer herself, posted on Instagram in January: “Giovanni and I had the best time on Strictly.”
The show’s other professional dancers have largely stayed silent, too. Former Strictly champion Stacey Dooley was unwilling to be drawn on the subject when asked on BBC Breakfast. “What I would say, more broadly, is I hope all of the women involved are OK,” she noted. “I think, actually, separate from this – in my personal experience, I think it’s a slippery slope not to believe women when they come forward and say certain things.”
There has been an outpouring of support for the dancer from Pernice’s largely female fans. With 1.1 million followers on Instagram, more or less the same number as the BBC show itself, Giovanni has an enormous fanbase and has maintained a busy schedule outside of Strictly, with annual stage shows, as well as touring as a duo with Anton Du Beke. The pair have also appeared recently on Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain, though there are rumours that their travel show has also been cancelled.
Miho Charles, a Strictly fan and student of Giovanni’s, has nothing but praise for her teacher. “Giovanni never criticises your inabilities,” she says. “He suggests options and he always praises us… I describe him as a very hard-working, dedicated, very funny, honest, [he] keeps promises, [is a] friendly, loving, thoughtful, passionate, delightful, diligent, and beautiful person. He is one of the most fantastic teachers.”