THE show goes on for the cast of BBC’s Strictly, as they shared a “team” pic of their time on tour, in what seems to be a veiled dig toward their disgraced former co-star Giovanni Pernice, 33.
The Italian dance professional is currently under investigation by the BBC amid allegations of bullying, after at least three women have filed complaints against him.
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Now a host of his former colleagues including Nikita Kuzmin, Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez and Graziano Di Prima, are currently on a UK tour, Strictly Come Dancing the professionals, showcasing their ballroom talents.
Directed by Strictly’s creative mastermind, Jason Gilkison, the show gives die hard fans the chance to see the dances performed to perfection.
Indeed Ukrainian dancer, Nikita shared several group photos of the dancers backstage, the camaraderie unruffled by Giovanni’s absence.
Writing beneath the caption, Nikita said: “Cool friends and Carlos red hair, backstage part 2”
Then Giovanni’s ex- girlfriend Jowita Przystal, wrote underneath the photo- “Team,” underscoring the reality that the glitterball continues to turn without him.
Earlier this week it came to light that his fellow Italian professional, Vito Coppola dealt a tough blow by unfollowing ex colleague Gio, on social media
Indeed the claims against Giovanni are fast becoming the biggest scandal to engulf Strictly Come Dancing in the show’s 20 year history.
Last week The Sun revealed how he’d quit the show after nine years, after at least three women- actress Amanda Abbington, TV presenter Laura Whitmore and another unnamed partner, are now thought to have legal representation.
Indeed Pernice’s BBC projects, notably his Adventures With, travel show with judge Anton Du Beke, 57, has also now been shelved, pending the investigation. Further dates for their Him and Me tour have also been scrapped as he fights to clear his name.
But the dance professional has received some support from Radio 1 DJ Jamie Laing. The former Made in Chelsea star “liked” the post where Gio rejected the allegations of wrongdoing.”
Jamie appeared briefly in 2017 but was forced to withdraw from injury during the launch show, returning the following year to compete in the full series.
He was partnered with Karen Hauer, and made it to the finals during the 2020 season before being beaten by Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse.
Another source of support came from Strictly make-up artist, and former wife of Ant Mcpartlin, Lisa Armstrong, who often interacts positively with his posts.
Now that Giovanni has stepped away form the current series an investigation is thought to be underway, as the Beeb analyze hours of rehearsal footage to aide their inquiry.
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STARS TAKE SIDES
IT’s team Giovanni Vs Team Amanda as the battle lines are drawn as the BBC investigation gets under way
Team Amanda Abbinton:
Stacey Dooley: The TV star won the show in 2018 but was quick to distance herself from Giovanni when questioned on BBC breakfast. THe 37-year-old said: “I don’t have a friendship with Giovanni. I didn’t even have a working relationship with Giovanni.”
Laura Whitmore- The Irish TV presenter was partnered with Gio in 2016 and is thought to have made an official complaint to the Beeb on the basis that she was often in tears during her 12 hour training days with Gio
Ellie Leach- Former Corrie actress who won the show with partner Vito Copola last year has unfollowed Giovanni on social media
Ellie Simmonds- Former Olympian who competed in 2022 has also pressed the unfollow button for Giovanni. She was partnered with Nikita
Rose Ayling Ellis- The former EastEnders actress won the show with Pernice back in 2021. She is thought to be finding the allegations tough as they had a close partnership
Team Giovanni Pernice
Anton Du Beke- They enjoy a successful double act with their BBC travel show and the Him and Me Tour and their chemistry has proved popular with the viewers. But while the show has been ‘shelved’ Anton has remained uncritical of his friend.
Lisa Armstrong- The Strictly make up artist has been seen interacting with his posts in what experts are considering to be a show of support
Jamie Laing- The former Made in Chelsea star liked a post by Gio where he attempted to clear this name. The pair are thought to be friends and social media likes, follows and unfollows are significant at such a time.
