Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington has pulled a u-turn on embattled pro dancer Giovanni Pernic just days after an event with the pair was announced.
Kai, who is dating blonde bombshell fellow pro Nadiya Bychkova, had been announced alongside Italian Giovanni for a £100 a head dance class workshop in London.
Giovanni, who was already down for a sold-out class with fellow judges Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas, had announced the Ballando UK dance workshops event on his Instagram on Tuesday.
But just days later Ballando announced that Kai would be pulling out.
The message on Balland’s Instagram said: “Unfortunately Kai is no longer able to attend on the 28th July due to other commitments… crossed diaries!
“Both Kai and Gio were really looking forward to teaching together again, so we’ll try and find another date that works.
“Gio will still be taking classes on the 28th July – same time, same classes, same location… Further to follow re booking!
“See you soon!”
Kai is touring with his girlfriend Nadiya at the moment and they have dates across the UK through June.
A workshop from Gio with £100 tickets is already sold out alongside Strictly judges, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas on June 30 at ISH Venue in London.
The timetable for the event shows Shirley Ballas helping to teach jive, before Anton Du Beke teaches quickstep and Giovanni ends the day taking a class on the cha cha cha.
Gio’s solo workshop, now without Kai, is still open to book with tickets from £60 per person.
Italian pro dancer Giovanni swept to Strictly victory with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 before running into reported problems with Amanda Abbington in 2023. He has been the subject of complaints behind the scenes, with his training methods for the show coming under scrutiny.
The Sherlock star also claimed Giovanni “stamped on her foot” during his “militant” training sessions. This led to the BBC launching an investigation into “serious workplace misconduct claims.
It is now believed Giovanni has stepped down from Strictly Come Dancing for good, but neither the dancer nor the BBC have confirmed or denied the claims.
Giovanni strongly denied the claims as he said on Instagram: “To my dear fans, 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. 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! Giovanni..”