DANCER Giovanni Pernice has blocked the release of video tapes of his Strictly rehearsals with Amanda Abbington amid allegations of bullying.
Sicilian professional Giovanni, 33, refused when Sherlock actress Amanda, 52, asked BBC bosses for the footage as she seeks to prove her claims.
4
Giovanni Pernice has blocked the release of video tapes of his Strictly rehearsals with Amanda Abbington, pictured with model partner Molly BrownCredit: Getty
4
Amanda quit Strictly Come Dancing in October last yearCredit: PA
One insider told The Sun on Sunday: “It raises the question, ‘What has he got to hide?’. It doesn’t look good.”
The development is the latest twist in a row which flared after Amanda quit Strictly Come Dancing in October last year.
She cited health reasons for her decision — which had followed a request for their training sessions to be filmed.
Sources said Amanda asked to have the cameras over concerns about Giovanni’s alleged behaviour but his camp claimed it was done at his suggestion.
Mum-of-two Amanda, who has made a formal complaint to the BBC, wants the footage to support her allegations.
The Corporation has launched an investigation into them.
PTSD diagnosis
She told friends last year that stress from dancing with Giovanni — who has faced complaints from other partners on the show — led to her being diagnosed with PTSD.
It has been claimed her foot was stamped on and she suffered bruising during rehearsals.
At one stage, it is alleged, a mobile phone was thrown.
Amanda — represented by £700-an-hour law firm Carter-Ruck — formally requested BBC Studios hand over the practice session tapes five months ago.
Sources said a data protection officer had to consult Giovanni while considering whether or not to release redacted footage, or to withhold it entirely.
One insider said: “Amanda’s legal team asked for the tapes because she wants people to see how Giovanni spoke to her and how he behaved.
“She was told they couldn’t just hand over the tapes to her because they feature another person, Giovanni, not just her.
“He’s entitled for private information or content about him not to be disclosed without his authorisation.”
The insider added: “The BBC will have reviewed the footage and considered if it was possible to redact content showing him.
4
Amanda seen in the Strictly rehearsals in 2023Credit: Pixel8000
“Having spoken to him they have decided to withhold it completely at his request. The irony is Giovanni’s camp gave the impression it was his idea for cameras to monitor rehearsals even though Amanda’s pals have insisted it was her.
A number of his ex-dance partners have contacted lawyers over his alleged behaviour.
At least two said he used “brutal” training methods that left them “black and blue”.
Telly host Laura Whitmore, 39, his partner in 2016, said she “felt broken . . . mentally and physically by the end”.
Last week, a male celebrity also complained to the women’s legal team about Giovanni, who quit the show last month and denies the claims he faces.
‘A place of love’
Giovanni, who is dating model Molly Brown, 24, said: “I am totally surprised and disappointed to learn of these allegations. I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing . . . will know that I am passionate and competitive.
“No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
“I have always strived to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win — for me and my dance partners.”
He is being represented by top London law firm Schillings.
The BBC said: “If a complaint is made, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.”
We approached Amanda and Giovanni, who won Strictly in 2021 with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, for comment.
The BBC declined to comment.
4
Amanda, who has made a formal complaint to the BBC, wants the footage to support her allegationsCredit: PA
News
Caitlin Clark Breaks Her Silence Days After WNBA Star Quit The League Following Controversial Remarks About The Fever Superstar’s Salary
Caitlin Clark (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year on Thursday, the league announced. Clark overwhelmingly beat out Chicago Sky…
VIDEOS: Angel Reese Let It All Hɑng Out As She Mɑde An Aρρeɑrɑnce On ‘Wild ‘n Out’ Weɑring The Tiniest Pɑir Of Booty Shorts
Angel Reese (Photo by Michɑel Reɑʋes/Getty Imɑges) Desρite ɑn eɑrly end to her WNBA seɑson, Angel Reese is enjoying her offseɑson in mɑny different wɑys. Blue Jɑckets @ Wild – NHL…
San Francisco 49ers Announce Devastating Injury Update On Superstar WR Brandon Aiyuk As Things Somehow Get Even Worse Following Brutal Loss To Chiefs
Brandon Aiyuk (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) The San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl 59 hopes were dealt another significant blow in Sunday’s 28-18 home loss to the Kansas…
VIDEO: Disgusting Cleveland Browns Fans Were Cheering After QB Deshaun Watson Suffered A Gruesome Season-Ending Injury
Cleveland Browns fans cheering Deshaun Watson’s injury (Photo via CBS) On Sunday, during the Cleveland Browns’ and Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 7 matchup, quarterback Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles and had…
VIDEO: Patrick Mahomes Broke The Internet As He Ended A 49ers Player’s Career On His Way To The End Zone
Chiefs-49ers game (Photo via FOX) On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers to improve to 6-0, and this play from Patrick Mahomes made it possible. At the…
New Gruesome Slo-Mo Video Shows Close-Up Of Deshaun Watson’s Injury, And It Does Not Look Good As Social Media Doc Confirms The Terrible News
Deshaun Watson’s Achilles popping (Photo via CBS) It appears Deshaun Watson’s season is over following the Cleveland Browns quarterback going down without contact against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Watson…
End of content
No more pages to load