Tag: Giovanni Pernice

Strictly Giovanni Pernice crisis deepens as Laura Whitmore issues statement to “set the record straight”

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Laura Whitmore has revealed she has spoken to BBC amid the Strictly Come Dancing scandal.

The TV presenter appeared on the BBC show back in 2016 – and was partnered with dancer Giovanni Pernice. Recently, Giovanni has been embroiled in an ongoing investigation over his alleged behaviour on the BBC One show.

Actress Amanda Abbington accused Giovanni of ‘bullying’ when they were partnered in the 2023 series – allegations he’s denied.

Now, Giovanni’s former celebrity partner Laura has now shared a statement amid the scandal.

The TV presenter has issued a statement amid the scandal (Credit: ITV)

Laura Whitmore issues statement amid Strictly scandal

Laura took to her Instagram on Saturday (July 27) to “set the record straight” about her Strictly experience – and shared how during her stint she had experienced things that were “wrong” whilst in the rehearsal room.

The TV star also claimed she has since been called in by the BBC to assist with its ongoing investigation.

She wrote: “I was trying not to comment on recent press speculation until the BBC review is complete but feel there is a lot of misinformation in the press and I want to help and show support.”

The TV star was partnered with Giovanni in the 2016 series (Credit: BBC)

Laura Whitmore was ‘asked to speak to BBC’

Laura went on: “I was asked to speak to the BBC along with six people that I know of (who deserve anonymity as they don’t want to be dragged through the press), about inappropriate behaviour they experienced similar to mine with the same individual. I initially raised concerns back in 2016.”

It’s a shame it takes this for someone to be heard

“I thought my experience was specific to me but I’ve since learned I was wrong.

“The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop. My evidence is to support other people’s experience. It’s a shame it takes this for someone to be heard.

She revealed she’s given ‘evidence’ to the BBC (Credit: Instagram Story)

Laura ‘wants to set the record straight’ amid Strictly scandal

Laura continued: “I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again.

I want to set the record straight

“Because I have not made an official complaint, and am providing evidence of my experience to support the investigation, not all the communication will be passed on to all parties involved.”

She added: “Misinformation is being put into the press so I want to set the record straight.

“Victim blaming must stop or we will never get better. I’ve tried to speak up in the correct way. I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up.”

Giovanni Strictly scandal

Earlier this week Giovanni’s team released a statement amid the ongoing investigation which reads in full: “We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes.

They also added: “We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed. As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us.

“They do not resemble Amanda [Abbington’s] latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form. Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour. And having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.

“We would urge people to wait for the review’s conclusion. And not to pay heed to these very serious and defamatory allegations that have no evidence in support of them.”

Read more: Strictly’s future ‘hanging by a thread’ as scandal escalates: ‘They are doing all they can to detoxify the show’

So what do you think of this story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.

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Joey Crutchley

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July 27, 2024
Strictly star Shirley Ballas addresses ‘super-strict’ training amid Giovanni Pernice investigation

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Shirley Ballas continues to show her support for Giovanni Pernice. Speaking with press on Saturday, the Strictly judge was quizzed about her co-star, amid the BBC’s ongoing investigation into his teaching style.

“I’ve known Giovanni for 10 years, and he’s a good friend of mine. But I’m not involved on any side of that [the investigation],” she said. “I think before I speak, and I stay in my lane, which is ballroom dancing. I think everybody goes into Strictly with the best will in the world to entertain the country.”

© Instagram
Shirley Ballas was asked about the ongoing investigation into Giovanni Pernice’s teaching style

Noting that in the dancing industry “everybody is very competitive,” Shirley acknowledged that it can be difficult to navigate training as a professional.

“You don’t want to kill their enthusiasm or the thought that they can be the Glitterball champion. So, I think sometimes, words can be cruel and people deliver them in not a great way. I learned the difference.

© Karwai Tang
Shirley noted that the dance industry can be ‘very competitive’

“I can be super-strict when somebody is trying to win the gold medal, then I can still be quite strict but in a positive way on Strictly so they will learn something. That’s always ongoing for me. I’m always searching for the best way I can bring great constructive criticism.”

After working with Giovanni for years, Shirley has come to his defence in recent months, following reports of a feud between the star and his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington.

In January, Shirley was asked about Giovanni’s approach to teaching while appearing on Lorraine. “I’ve known Giovanni for many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher,” she replied.

© Shutterstock
Shirley has continued to defend Giovanni in recent months

“My only ever experience with him is he is an absolute gentlemen. He gives 100%. Strictly and shows like that, they are tough shows so you know when you sign up for that kind of thing. It’s quite difficult to do the show.”

Amanda was partnered with Giovanni in the most recent series of Strictly, but abruptly quit after a few weeks citing “personal reasons” that left her “unable to continue”. She has subsequently opened up about her time on the show, revealing that she had been diagnosed with PTSD after Strictly.

© BBC
Giovanni with his former dance partner Amanda Abbington

As a result, the BBC has launched an investigation. It has also been confirmed that Giovanni will not be joining the Strictly line-up for 2024, and is instead performing in his namesake tour, Giovanni Pernice – The Last Dance.

While the star has been keeping a low profile, on June 16 he penned a statement on Instagram, insisting that “the latest accusations are simply false” and that he is “cooperating” with the investigation.

“I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth,” he continued. “I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – your messages and love mean so very much to me.”

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Megan Bull

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July 7, 2024
Giovanni Pernice’s ‘new romance with girlfriend’ – cosy picture; why he ‘kept it quiet’; 2024 marriage prediction

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Giovanni Pernice recently went Insta official with his reported new girlfriend – but what do we know about their alleged romance?

The Strictly Come Dancing pro is back on our screens tonight for a brand new series of his travel show with co-star Anton Du Beke. Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain will see the duo explore what the country has to offer.

But away from his career, Giovanni has recently confirmed something new in his personal life. Here’s what we know about Giovanni’s apparent new romance…

Giovanni Pernice is reportedly dating (Credit Photo /SplashNews.com)

Does Giovanni Pernice have a girlfriend?

Towards the end of February, Giovanni appeared to confirm that he has a new girlfriend. He was seen posing in a loved-up picture with blonde beauty, Molly Brown.

She had captioned the post: “My love.”

Italian dancer Giovanni shared the photo to his own Instagram Stories alongside a heart face emoji and a red love heart emoji.

It came after a source alleged they were dating.

It’s reportedly “early days” for Giovanni and Molly (Credit: ITV)

Why Giovanni Pernice has kept ‘new romance’ quiet

According to the Mirror, a source claimed in February that Giovanni wanted to keep his new romance low-key.

The insider said: “Giovanni and Molly met a few weeks ago, and although it is very early days, things seem to be going well between them.

“He has been keeping things quiet because he didn’t want too much pressure on as they’re getting to know each other. But the signs so far seem to be positive and he has let a few of his friends in on the secret. It’s very much a case of watch this space.”

Giovanni and Anton are back on screens tonight for their new travel series (Credit: BBC/BBC Studios)

Is Giovanni Pernice married?

Giovanni isn’t married and hasn’t been married, according to online reports.

However, that hasn’t stopped bookies predicting whether the dancer would ever tie the knot.

BetIdeas.com has placed odds on Giovanni marrying in 2024 at 10/1. Meanwhile, odds stand at 6/1 for Giovanni tying the knot in 2025.

Read more: Giovanni Pernice addresses Amanda Abbington’s exit from Strictly as his ‘former partners have tearful meeting’

Odds on Giovanni marrying in 2027 or later are at 7/4 while odds on him never marrying stand at 3/1.

Giovanni has previously spoke about having children, telling Anton on the first series of their travel show: “Of course, I want a family one day. You just have to find the right person first. I am just very focused on my career at the moment.”

ED! has contacted reps for Giovanni for comment on his reported romance.

JOIN ED!’s ANT AND DEC NEWS CHANNEL ON WHATSAPP – IN THESE 4 SIMPLE STEPS USING THE INVITE LINK HERE

Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain begins Monday (March 18) from 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

So what do you think of this story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.

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Rebecca Carter

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March 18, 2024
Amanda Abbington 'wasn't invited' to the Strictly final says an insider

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Strictly star Amanda Abbington wasn’t invited to perform during the finale of the Strictly Come Dancing, according to insiders.

The 51-year-old was partnered up with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice during the 2023 series.

However, Amanda was forced to leave after five weeks due to “personal reasons”. A source close to The Mirror is now claiming that she “wasn’t invited back” for the show’s finale.

Strictly Come Dancing: Amanda Abbington absence

The insider revealed: “There was a lot of talk on set about Amanda’s notable absence from the finale. It seemed unfair that Nigel was invited back and she wasn’t. I imagine she was upset by the snub. It would have been nice to have seen her return for one last dance. Especially as she was so popular on the show and well-liked by viewers.”

This comes after Amanda’s fans claimed she was “deleted” from the 2023 series.

Amanda Abbington wasn’t invited to the Strictly Come Dancing finale (Credit: Lorraine)

At the time of Amanda’s departure, a BBC spokesperson said: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.”

Amanda, meanwhile, said: “It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons, I am unable to continue.

“It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.”

Since then, the exact reason for Amanda’s exit has still not been revealed, with show insiders citing “personal” reasons for her departure. However, professional dancer Brendan Cole claimed it was because of a “feud” between Amanda and Giovanni.

Fans react to her being “snubbed”

Taking to her Instagram yesterday (Saturday, December 30) Amanda spoke out about her departure in depth. This comes after she didn’t return to the show for the group dance in the final. One Strictly viewer said on her post: “I was truly distraught with her sudden departure from the show.” Amanda replied: “Thank you, angel. So was I.”

While Amanda decided not to return for the final, she did however send a message of support to the three finalists on Instagram. She shared a snap of the three couples standing with the glitterball trophy and wrote: “Good luck tonight to these six beautiful humans.”

Brendon Cole said Amanda left the competition because of a feud with Giovanni (Credit: BBC)

When the report claiming Amanda wasn’t invited to the final was put to the BBC by ED!, a spokesperson said: “Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore did not return for the final.”

Read more: A complete timeline of events leading up to Amanda Abbington’s Strictly exit – backlash, ‘feud’ with Giovanni and medical issues

What do you think of Amanda Abbington’s departure from Strictly? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.

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Entertainment Daily

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December 31, 2023
Strictly fans unimpressed as they claim Amanda Abbington has been 'deleted' from 2023 series

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Strictly Come Dancing fans were unhappy last night as they argued that Amanda Abbington had been “deleted” from this year’s competiton.

Amanda was paired up with Giovanni Pernice for the BBC One dance contest – but quit in October.

Amid rumours of a ‘feud’ between her and Giovanni, he was said to be “devastated” by the decision to withdraw.

However, he has subsequently participated in group dances on the show. But going into Saturday (December 16) night’s final, Sherlock actress Amanda was not expected to feature as eliminated contestants returned for one last whirl on the Strictly dance floor.

Amanda Abbington did not return to the Strictly ballroom for the 2023 final (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Strictly 2023 final news: What happened to Amanda Abbington?

Towards the end of yesterday evening’s finale, every other 2023 contestant who hadn’t made the last three spoke about their experience of the show in a talking heads segment.

However, Amanda did not pop up on the screen at any point. She did not participate in the group dance for all of the Strictly couples that had already departed the competition, either.

“They’ve missed Amanda Abington off the montage #StrictlyFinal,” one fan said, adding a pair of eyes emoji to their words.

Lol at how Amanda has been totally deleted from Strictly.

And someone else reacted: “Lol at how Amanda has been totally deleted from #Strictly.”

But while Amanda didn’t appear to make any new contributions to the last episode of the series, it isn’t accurate to suggest she was entirely erased from the final.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice’s dance partnership came to an end in October (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

‘Amanda and Giovanni were amazing’

That’s because Amanda’s involvement was acknowledged in another segment. It came shortly before the 2023 winners were announced as Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.

The mention came as two fans reflected on Amanda being part of 2023. Furthermore, the few moments dedicated to Amanda (and Giovanni) seemed to be the same amount of screen time concerning other former contestants in the series.

Over footage of Amanda and Giovanni walking together, one of the fans was heard to say: “Amanda was one of the reasons I started watching the show.”

And another added: “Her and Giovanni were amazing.”

Fan tribute: ‘Amanda was one of the reasons I started watching the show’ (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Additionally, there was another, briefer shot of Amanda on screen as the 2023 contestants’ initial introduction was revisited.

But the impression that some social media users were left with included the tweeted thought: “Amanda really said byeeeee #Strictly.”

Amanda Abbington waves in a brief, previously-recorded, appearance during the Strictly 2023 final (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Someone else made use of six grimacing emojis as they posted sarcastically: “So Amanda Abbington wasn’t in this year’s Strictly obviously.”

While another fan added: “Amanda and Gio getting the BRIEFEST mention in the #Strictly flashback, woulda liked less tbh x.”

Read more: A complete timeline of events leading up to Amanda Abbington’s Strictly exit

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas 2023 special airs on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25) on BBC One at 4.40pm.

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.

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Robert Leigh

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December 17, 2023
Giovanni Pernice announces dance floor return at Dancing With The Stars weekend

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Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice is lacing up his dancing shoes as he prepares to make a ballroom comeback.

Giovanni was forced to take an early exit from the BBC dance series that made him famous this year after celebrity partner Amanda Abbington decided to quit the show.

However, bouncing back, Gio has shared some “fantastic” news – and it’s sure to delight fans of the Italian hunk.

Giovanni Pernice announced he will be making a dance comeback at a Dancing With The Stars weekend (Credit: YouTube)

Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice heads for Dancing With The Stars

Giovanni has revealed that fans will have the chance to meet him and learn some of his famous moves as he takes part in a Dancing With The Stars weekend next year.

Now, before you panic, he hasn’t decided to swap Blighty for the States and a stint on the TV show. Instead, he is heading to the Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire for the event.

It will offer fans of the show a chance to get up close and personal with a handful of Strictly stars as they are taught to dance.

“Thrilled to share some fantastic news with you all,” Giovanni said. “Guess where you can catch me in March 2024? I’ll be setting the dance floor on fire at the incredible Donahey’s Dancing With The Stars Weekend at Alton Towers Resort! SHH.”

He added: “It’s going to be a weekend filled with dance, laughter, and unforgettable memories. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to dance the night away with me.”

Giovanni then said: “It’s going to be a weekend you won’t want to miss! For all the details and to book your tickets, head over to the @donaheys website (link in bio) and secure your spot for what promises to be an EPIC weekend of dancing!”

If Gio isn’t your pro dancer of choice, there are a handful of others also attending.

The Italian dancer will be joined by the likes of Jowita Przystal, Nikita Kuzmin, Lauren Oakley, Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova.

‘My dream come true is finally here!’

Giovanni has been keeping himself busy now he’s out of Strictly 2023, turning his focus to his career away from dancing. He recently shared that he was “thrilled” to announce he’s releasing his own fragrance for men and women.

Sharing the “fantastic news” along with a promo video, he said: “My dream come true is finally here! VITA is my new fragrance for men and women. An intoxicating scent that captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily.”

Giovanni added that he’s been passionate about fragrance and the way it “captivates emotions” as he explained: “I have long been passionate about fragrance. And the way a scent can captivate our emotions and transport us to another place. VITA is the embodiment of my passions, a personal and complex fragrance. It slowly seduces as it unfolds on the skin.”

This comes after Amanda Abbington confirmed she couldn’t continue on the show due to “personal reasons”.

She said: “It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons, I am unable to continue.”

Read more: Six signs Giovanni Pernice will leave Strictly Come Dancing this year

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and then let us know what you think of this story

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Entertainment Daily

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November 7, 2023
BBC breaks silence on claims Strictly star Giovanni Pernice is ‘breaking guidelines’ with new project

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Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has NOT broken any rules with a new project, the BBC has confirmed.

The dance pro, 33, is reportedly launching his own cosmetics brand called GP Vita.

According to MailOnline, Italian hunk Gio set the company up in June – and shared on social media yesterday (Thursday October 19) that “a dream project is finally launching next week”.

However, while the tabloid report alleges some Beeb stars may not have complied with regulations concerning non-BBC interests previously, a BBC spokesperson told ED! that Giovanni is “following guidelines”.

Giovanni Pernice is partnered up with Amanda Abbington for Strictly 2023 (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Strictly Come Dancing latest: Giovanni Pernice news

Insiders reportedly told MailOnline: “Giovanni’s legal team has ensured there is no danger of him breaking any rules.

“He hasn’t breached any conditions in his contract and as long as he doesn’t promote his products on television or compromise the BBC’s values, he’s fine to kick on.

“Giovanni is aware his profile is in a good place following the last few years on Strictly, so he feels why not pounce on that and make some money?”

Why not pounce on that and make some money?

Approached for comment on MailOnline’s story, a representative for Strictly said: “For the avoidance of any doubt, Giovanni has not breached any BBC rules in launching his brand, and is following guidelines.”

His new project will soon be here (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Fans react

A moody black and white snap of Gio and model Amanda Faical looking as if they are about to smooch was shared by the dance fave on Instagram.

He teased in the post’s caption: “I’m super excited to be unveiling… well, you will have to wait until next Tuesday 24 October to find out at gpvita.com!”

Gio’s fans, meanwhile, were super excited to see him posing in such a sultry manner.

“On a scale of one to ten how much would you like to be that woman?” one user sighed in the comments section.

Another devoted fan pondered: “I wonder if Giovanni smiles knowing that every woman and some men will have let out a sigh ever so slightly when they saw that photo?”

And a third joked: “What’s my future husband doing kissing someone else?!”

Read more: All the ‘feud’ rumours Giovanni Pernice has faced during his Strictly career

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 continues on BBC One on Saturday October 21 at 6.35pm. It Takes Two airs on weekdays on BBC Two, also at 6.30pm.

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.

Robert Leigh is a freelance entertainment and showbiz writer for Entertainment Daily with 20 years of experience working for nationals titles and magazines in the UK.

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Robert Leigh

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October 20, 2023