STRICTLY Come Dancing legend Kristina Rihanoff has spoken in defence of Giovanni Pernice after he quit the programme.
The Italian dancer’s exit was confirmed yesterday when the BBC released the 2024 line-up of its professionals.
After nine years on the programme, Giovanni’s omission was notable and follows his on-going row with actress Amanda Abbington, who he was partnered with on last year’s programme.
There have been accusations of brutal behaviour in the rehearsal room which led Amanda to quit the show and saw her diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder.
Speaking for the first time about it, she said: “Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.”
Three more of Giovanni’s past partners have come forward with complaints against the star and the BBC is conducting an investigation.
Today Russian pro Kristina spoke to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard about Giovanni’s decision to leave the show.
She said professionally Giovanni was always “easy-going to work with” and his loss, from a choreography perspective, was very sad.
“I personally always looked forward to his choreography because that’s what I appreciate on the outside because this is the job I love and used to do,” she said.
“I think he produced some beautiful dances and it’s always exciting to watch what he would choreograph. I think the whole situation is very very sad.”
Kristina was followed by fellow ex-Strictly stars James and Ola Jordan, who appeared from their home.
Outspoken James said that “there isn’t smoke without fire” and called the situation “very sad”.
He praised the BBC’s handling of the situation and continued: “I wanted each of my celebrity partners to have best Strictly experience they could. I honestly believe if you went and asked all of them they’d say they had a great time.
“For him to have four people come forward, there’s clearly something there.
“I’m not bad-mouthing Giovanni, none of us clearly know enough about it. I can only discuss what I’ve read in the paper, which is four people that have come forward.
“If that is the case you have to sit up and look at it, isn’t the proof in the pudding a little bit, he’s not coming back.
“There’s something going on we don’t know about, we haven’t seen the footage, so it’s very difficult to comment.”
We revealed over the weekend that an unnamed male star has joined three female complainants in making accusations against Giovanni.
A source last night said: “One of the dancers on the show found it so traumatising that they sought professional help. The show is unlike anything else on TV.
“The pressure on those taking part is huge and shouldn’t be under-estimated.
“But Giovanni’s demanding behaviour behind the scenes took it up a notch and caused significant emotional distress.
“They were so upset by what happened they needed counselling to recover from the toll it took.”
We had already revealed Gio, 33, had quit the show. The Sicilian pro has been questioned over his “brutal, taskmaster training methods”.
Within 24 hours of our story, legal firm Carter Ruck confirmed the BBC had launched an investigation into workplace misconduct.
Three of the dancer’s former partners — believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Michelle Visage — have contacted legal firm Carter Ruck.
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”.