Ant McPartlin’s ex Lisa Armstrong offered support to Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice after he vowed to clear his name amid serious workplace misconduct claims by three of his celebrity partners. Giovanni, who reportedly quit the show in response to the scrutiny, denied allegations of abusive or threatening behavior made against him by former dance partners. The allegations included claims of a ‘militant’ approach during training sessions, but Giovanni maintains his innocence.
Despite the lack of support from his professional dancer co-stars, fellow pros like Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, and Luba Mushtuk have liked posts by Amanda Abbington, one of Giovanni’s accusers. Amanda, who withdrew from the show last year, accused Giovanni of difficult behavior and even claimed he had stamped on her foot during rehearsals. Giovanni responded by expressing surprise at the allegations and reiterated his commitment to clearing his name, stating that his teaching methods have always come from a place of love and ambition for his dance partners.
Lisa Armstrong, who works on Strictly as head of makeup, showed her support for Giovanni by liking his statement on Instagram. The actress reportedly refrained from commenting but acknowledged her past working relationship with Giovanni. As Giovanni faces an internal investigation from the BBC, Amanda has been vocal about her experiences with the pro dancer, accusing him of being bullying and abrasive during their time together on the show. Giovanni, who is currently in Portugal with his girlfriend, has denied the allegations and has reportedly decided not to return to the show.
Amanda, who left the competition mid-way through the series due to personal reasons, is currently in discussions with the BBC regarding possible workplace misconduct. Other celebrities like Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh have also shared their negative experiences working with Giovanni, prompting the BBC to initiate an investigation. Various former partners of Giovanni, including Debbie McGee and Rose Ayling-Ellis, have defended him, highlighting their positive experiences working with him on the show.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Giovanni’s behavior has raised questions about his future on Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC, which initially stated they would not investigate the allegations, has now launched an internal inquiry following the complaints from multiple former celebrity partners. While Giovanni maintains his innocence, the stress and negative attention resulting from the accusations have led him to consider pursuing other opportunities. Despite the controversy, Giovanni’s popularity among viewers may lead to potential future projects with the BBC, such as a travel series with Anton Du Beke.
The situation involving Giovanni Pernice has caused a stir within the Strictly Come Dancing community, with conflicting accounts of his behavior emerging from various sources. While some celebrities have accused him of being abrasive and intimidating, others have praised his professionalism and dedication. Giovanni’s decision to step away from the show amidst the ongoing investigation highlights the challenges faced by high-profile figures in the entertainment industry. As the internal probe continues, the future of Giovanni’s involvement in Strictly remains uncertain, leaving fans and colleagues alike awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
