BBC bosses have reportedly launched an internal investigation into Strictly star Giovanni Pernice after three former contestants instructed lawyers.
The corporation is now reportedly "evidence gathering" in the wake of the damning allegations. A leaked internal memo that's been doing the rounds doesn't feature Giovanni's name among this year's roster of professional dancers, fuelling speculation about his departure. Reports suggest that Giovanni is now eyeing new opportunities on the small screen.
According to The Sun, news of the formal complaints - logged separately but by the same top legal firm, Carter Ruck come amid rumours Giovanni has quit the show.
Whilst the three complainants have not been named, they are understood to be Amanda Abbington and two other high profile stars. A spokeswoman, from £700 an hour Carter Ruck, said: "There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering. As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage".
The probe, which is reportedly based on serious workplace misconduct, could reportedly take into account rehearsal footage recorded between Amanda and Giovanni throughout the duration of their time on Strictly Come Dancing.
A source told The Sun: "These are troubled times for the BBC - this is a nightmare situation, frankly. Rumblings have been going on for months about allegations surrounding his behaviour but they steadfastly declined to launch any kind of investigation.
"It was only when three contestants, all allegedly deeply traumatised and upset by some of his training methods and behaviour, complained that any action was taken."
Giovanni's decision to step back comes on the heels of a strained partnership with Sherlock actress Amanda, during last year's show. She bowed out in October after a string of heated exchanges with Giovanni, which reportedly left her in tears due to his intense approach to rehearsals.
"Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start," a source said about Gio's alleged decision. "He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he's achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times."
A source told The Sun: "He remains adamant he's done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn't to everyone's liking - especially in this day and age. He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he's just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority."
In a statement shared with OK!, a BBC spokesperson said: "The Professional Dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course."
OK! has reached out to the BBC and Giovanni's representatives for comment.
It is claimed the BBC were backing the Italian 'all the way' and he after the broadcaster offered him a new contract. The under-fire dancing pro has reportedly ended his eight year stint on the show months after he faced allegations over his tough training methods from previous celebrity partners, including actress Amanda, who suddenly left midway through the last series.
Amanda later claimed that she had been diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder after her time on the competition. Allegations from other celebrity partners then surfaced. The dancer and Amanda were thought to have clashed backstage and during rehearsals during the Sherlock star's time on the show.
Earlier this year, Amanda reportedly requested backstage footage of her training sessions with Giovanni from BBC bosses, potentially in preparation for legal action. Giovanni, who also left the 2023 series after five weeks, is yet to comment on the situation.
