GIOVANNI Pernice has been spotted happily chatting to his former Strictly co-stars as he heads into rehearsals for his new tour.
The Sicilian star spectacularly left the BBC series after nine years last week, as three of his former co-stars clubbed together to make official complaints about his behaviour.
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Since then, a cloak of silence has gone over the cast, with only judge Anton seeming to support him as they prepare to head around the UK on tour together.
However, these exclusive pics show Giovanni does have more stars in his corner than initially assumed, with Strictly stars seen happily chatting with him outside the rehearsal studio.
Kai Widdrington kept hidden under a navy blue baseball cap, wearing loose clothing as he drank a coffee during a catch-up with his pal.
Kai’s girlfriend and fellow pro Nadiya Bychkova was also there, leaning against the concrete wall in a grey trench coat, hoody and baseball cap.
Giovanni held court during the catch-up, wearing all-black casualwear as he spoke with his friends outside.
Anton Du Beke joined them, wearing a navy t-shirt and keeping his hands in the pockets of the dark grey jogging bottoms he was wearing.
The group were chatting outside the London dance studio as they prepare to head out on tour, with Kai and Nadiya also doing a round of the UK together in a separate show.
THE SCANDAL SO FAR
Giovanni and Anton’s catch up comes as the BBC investigate the claims made against the pro dancer.
It’s been claimed among the allegations is Giovanni sending one of his former celebs an ‘inappropriate video’ – one he neither made nor appeared in – ahead of their dance debut.
While the names of the complainants aren’t official, it’s believed Amanda Abbington’s experience with the show triggered the investigation.
Amanda was partnered with Gio in 2023, but pulled out on medical grounds shortly after rumours of a feud with the dancer came to light.
Among the claims, sources said Amanda was unhappy with Giovanni’s ‘incredibly brusque’ and ‘militant’ training style.
It’s also believed Laura Whitmore is involved in the complaint.
As part of the investigation, the Strictly team will review footage from the rehearsal room to recognise any issues the celebs may have had.
However, sources claim it was Gio in 2023 that requested all rehearsals be filmed in their entirety, after he became worried Amanda’s behaviour could cause him trouble.
It’s believed all of Giovanni’s former partners have been approached as part of the probe.
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GIOVANNI’S RESPONSE
Giovanni is now believed to be preparing for war to clear his name, hiring a top team of lawyers to prove his innocence.
In his only statement, made after the BBC probe came to light, he said: “To my dear fans, 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,” he continued. “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!”
His tour with judge Anton, titled Giovanni and Anton: Together, is kicking off at The Beck Theatre in Hayes, West London on June 14, and will continue for two months.
Strictly rehearsals typically begin in July and August, with Anton, Kai and Nadiya all expected to return to the dancefloor for the show’s 20th anniversary.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
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