GIOVANNI Pernice has been snubbed by his former Strictly co-stars after Debbie McGee broke her silence on his axe from the show.
The former magician’s assistant and Paul Daniel’s widow, 65, told her fans she was “heartbroken” after the BBC confirmed he had been dropped from the line-up.
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The Sun revealed in May he had quit and was being probed by the BBC over his conduct during training with celebrity partners.
Last night Debbie, who was partnered with the star on the show back in 2017, came forward with a statement.
Alongside an Instagram photo of the pair, she wrote: “I am heartbroken for @giovannipernice My experience on Strictly will always be happy and life changing. Gio nurtured me through my grief and gave me confidence I could do things I thought was beyond me.”
A string of Strictly pros follow Debbie on Instagram but not one of them has ‘liked’ her post at the time of writing.
She also has number of former Strictly contestants in her following list, who have failed to show their approval by hitting the ‘like’ button.
One supportive fan noticed the snum and commented: “Lovely post Debbie. Thank you.
“It would be nice to see some support from his Strictly professional colleagues……but not a word. What an absolute shame. It would have been lovely for him to be on the show for its 20th year.”
Hundreds more shared enthusiastic comments about Gio and her post has attracted over nine thousand likes so far.
Gio has denied any wrongdoing and instructed top legal firm Schillings to fight his corner after stars, who are said to include Amanda Abbington, and Laura Whitmore, contacted a legal firm with their complaints.
The Sicilian pro has been questioned over his “brutal, taskmaster training methods”.
What has the BBC said about Giovanni?
Giovanni’s absence from Strictly’s upcoming 20th anniversary series was confirmed by the BBC with an announcement of the show line-up.
Prio to this the organisation broke its silence in May after The Sun revealed it was investigating conduct on the dancing show.
The broadcaster said: “It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals. Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
“Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.
“If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
“This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
“Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned.
“We will not be commenting further.”
In a press release shared in June announcing more duty of care measures, Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC added: “The BBC takes its duty of care responsibilities incredibly seriously and we are always looking at ways to further strengthen our commitment to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of contributors.”