Stacey Dooley has said she has ‘never had a friendship’ with under-fire professional dancer Giovanni Pernice as she distancs herself from the furore.
The Italian star, 33, quit Strictly earlier this week as the BBC launched an investigation into serious misconduct claims made by three of his former celebrity partners; Amanda Abbington, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore.
Stacey, 37, who won the series with her partner Kevin Clifton, 41, in 2018, appeared on BBC Breakfast on Monday where she was quizzed about Giovanni’s controversial exit.
The presenter, who was on the show to talk about her role in 2:22 A Ghost Story in the West End, was asked by host Jon Kay live on air what her thoughts were.
He said: ‘I have to talk to you about Strictly. Giovanni has made a statement over the weekend saying he rejects any suggestion of any threatening or abusive behaviour.
Stacey Dooley has said she has ‘never had a friendship’ with under-fire professional dancer Giovanni Pernice
The star, 33, quit Strictly earlier this week as the BBC launched an investigation into serious misconduct claims made by three of his former celebrity partners (Amanda Abbington)
Stacey, 37, won the series with her partner Kevin Clifton, 41, in 2018 but said she doesn’t have a friendship with Giovanni
‘I know you don’t want to talk about that, but I guess it shines a spotlight on the intensity of that Strictly world that you…’
Looking tense, Stacey was quick to shut down the conversation as she said: ‘Yeah, what I would say is I don’t have a friendship with Giovanni. I didn’t even have a working relationship with Giovanni.
‘And I haven’t been involved with that show for years. So it would be probably irresponsible for me to comment on that.
‘What I would say, more broadly, is I hope all of the women involved are ok.
‘And I think, actually, it’s separate from this but in my personal experience, I think it’s a slippery slope not to believe women when they come forward and say certain things. But I just hope they’re ok.’
Sally Nugent added: ‘It’s a difficult time for the programme’, to which Stacey said: ‘Do you know what, honestly, me and Kev, we are so boring. We sit at home on the sofa with a cup of tea.
‘He’s pals with a lot of the pros but I don’t know enough about that incident to comment.’
Both Stacey and Kevin don’t follow Giovanni on Instagram.
‘I think it’s a slippery slope not to believe women when they come forward and say certain things. But I just hope they’re ok’, Stacey said
Stacey pictured with some of the Strictly pros and celebrities in January 2019 during the live tour
Both Stacey and Kevin don’t follow Giovanni on Instagram
The presenter, who was on the show to talk about her role in 2:22 A Ghost Story on the West End, was asked by host Jon Kay live on air what her thoughts were
Giovanni Pernice faced further claims of workplace misconduct on Monday evening after professional dancer Korina Travis accused him of ‘horrendous’ behaviour
It comes as Giovanni faced further claims of workplace misconduct after a professional dancer accused him of ‘horrendous’ behaviour away from the BBC show.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star has come under fire for his ‘militant’ training style, with the BBC forced to investigate ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’ after three of his celebrity partners sought legal help.
On Monday evening, industry colleague Korina Travis, who performed with Giovanni at private functions and has no association with Strictly, has accused the Italian dancer of behaving questionably when they worked together.
‘I’ve known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me,’ she said in a statement released on Monday.
‘I will not speak about my experiences with him… I’ll leave it at that.’
Korina, who performed with Giovanni at private functions and has no association with Strictly, has accused the Italian dancer of behaving questionably when they worked together
Korina works for ballroom company Burn The Floor alongside numerous former Strictly Come Dancing professionals.
She was previously considered for a role on the BBC show in 2016 before producers chose Chloe Hewitt.
Former Strictly contestants Amanda, Laura and Ranvir have all been critical in their review of Giovanni’s methods.
According to The Sun, several women who have danced with the Italian on Strictly are contemplating joining the three existing claimants in a Beeb investigation for ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’.
A source disclosed that several former dance partners of Giovanni’s have been communicating privately and suggested that even more names could come forward.
The source went on to say the future is unclear for the professional dancer, who vehemently denies any claims of threatening or abusive behaviour and has vowed to ‘clear his name’.
They revealed: ‘Numerous celebrities, all former partners of Gio’s, have been in contact with one another behind the scenes.
‘Three women that we know of have come forward, and taken things a step further with legal action.
In recent weeks, the professional dancer has come under fire for his ‘militant’ training style, with the BBC forced to investigate ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’
‘But Carter Ruck, the prestigious firm acting on behalf of these stars, have quietly been speaking to one or two other potential claimants. In other words, more names could come out of the woodwork.’
The fresh claims come after the professional dancer reportedly quit Strictly after the scrutiny became ‘too much’.
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EXCLUSIVE
Giovanni Pernice is seen for the first time in Portugal since quitting Strictly after fleeing the country amid BBC probe into 'serious workplace misconduct claims'
Off the back of Giovanni’s departure, friends close to Amanda spoke about how she found the pro dancer ‘abrasive’ and would have to have ‘crisis talks’ with show bosses every week after being left in floods of tears at his ‘tough’ training method with claims it left her ‘bruised’.
Amanda, who dramatically withdrew from last year’s competition and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the show, is said to have met with Laura and Ranvir, 46, earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with him.
Giovanni shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies.
He said in a statement: ‘You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
‘Of course, 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 over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
‘I have always striven 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.
‘Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!’
Following his statement, Giovanni was dealt a fresh blow after friend and former Strictly dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis announced she would ‘not be getting involved’ while he fights ‘to clear his name’ amid a probe into his workplace conduct.
It was believed Giovanni was still on good terms with Rose, who he won Strictly Come Dancing with in 2021.
Now though, it’s been claimed Rose is ‘shocked’ by the allegations but ‘believes what the others are saying’.
A source told The Sun: ‘Rose is finding the whole situation really tough. She had a really great experience with Gio so is really shocked by it all.
‘She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won’t be speaking about it publicly.’
The news will no doubt come as a surprise to Giovanni, who had a positive relationship with the deaf contestant Rose, 29, whom he led to victory in 2021, with the pair going on to win a TV BAFTA for their silent dance routine.
Amanda (pictured) is one of the women named in the suit, while the likes of Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh have also been critical in their review of him
The professional dancer shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies
Giovanni has faced a wave of scrutiny ever since Amanda (pictured) dramatically quit last year
In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she ‘cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while training with him
Now, Giovanni looks set to be planning a whole new career after leaving Strictly under a cloud.
Last month, the professional dancer quietly set up two new companies, which suggest that he’s embarking on a life outside of the BBC show and heading for the classroom.
The Latin and Ballroom champion filed Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House, which relates to the ‘operation of arts facilities’.
This suggests that he’s making a move to create his own dance school, similar to ones set up by other performers such as Kevin.
Giovanni’s new business is with Paul Irving, who produced his and other Strictly stars’ tours.
Paul is also the founder member of The Strictly Foundation, set up to ‘raise funds to place talented youth in stage schools and arts training courses’.
Giovanni’s second firm is called GP Ballando and the nature of its business is ‘cultural education’.
Debbie Lee serves as director after working with Giovanni and other Strictly celebs on their dance classes.
Last year, Giovanni turned his hand away from dancing to set up his own cosmetics range GP Vita, selling fragrances for men and women.
He announced on Instagram at the time that ‘my dream come true is finally here!’ adding: ‘VITA is my new fragrance for men and women – an intoxicating scent that captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily.’
The Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh also complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show
Former partners have also come out to back him, including Debbie McGee, the widow of the magician Paul Daniels, who was paired with him in 2017
Pernice’s former partner Rose Ayling-Ellis reportedly admits she believes what others are saying amid BBC probe into ‘abusive behaviour’ (pictured in 2021)
As well as teaching, Giovanni could be set for a career in Hollywood.
The dancer is set to make his film debut this year with insiders predicting he’ll ‘have more acting roles coming his way.
Giovanni has filmed a role in Man & Witch – a heart-warming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the Eighties.
He will appear alongside Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd in the movie, which follows the tale of a lonely goatherd – who cursed at birth to never take a wife – bargains with a witch to reverse the spell if he can complete her three ‘impossible’ tasks.
Giovanni takes on the role of the Master of the Dance, the best dancer in the kingdom and the only person who knows the Dance of a Thousand Steps which is one of the tasks the Witch sets the Goatheard to master in order to find love.
Speaking about Giovanni’s new role, a movie insider told : ‘It’s a really fun role where not only does he show his amazing dance talent but also gets to show his comedy and acting chops.
‘He’s in the film with most amazing cast, including some Hollywood legends, so who knows what might happen, he may well find some more acting roles coming his way.’
Giovanni, who also stars alongside Sean Astin (Goonies, Lord of the Rings), Tami Stronach (The NeverEnding Story) and Michael Emerson (Lost).
Man & Witch premieres in the UK on June 2 and will be released in US at the end of August.
While Strictly fans may miss seeing him every weekend in the ballroom, there might not be that long to wait to see him back on the small screen.
Insiders confirmed that Giovanni is already mulling over offers away from BBC and he would find it ‘difficult to resist’ a lucrative contract with jungle show I’m A Celeb.
While a cloud surrounds his Strictly exit, a new career could be around the corner, with Pernice set to appear in Man & Witch (pictured with co-star Daniel Portman)
Giovanni takes on the role of the Master of the Dance in the movie and will star alongside acting legends Christopher Lloyd (left) and Sean Astin
Another insider revealed that the BBC are considering commissioning another travel series with Anton Du Beke following strong viewer feedback
A source told : ‘Giovanni has been under intense pressure and scrutiny following last year’s series of Strictly when Amanda quit.
‘The last thing he wants is for that to continue for him and whoever he could be paired with next so he felt there was no other option but to take a step back from the show.
‘His close friendship with Anton Du Beke has made it difficult, he really wants him to stay and tried convincing him to look past everything that’s happened.’
A TV insider added: ‘With I’m A Celeb round the corner, Giovanni would be a dream signing for producers, especially now he’s looking for new opportunities and a way to hopefully show audiences he’s a good guy.
‘The money ITV could offer would be seriously tempting for him too, plus, he loves a challenge.’
He hasn’t completely cut ties with BBC, however, with another insider revealing that the BBC are considering commissioning another travel series with Anton Du Beke following strong viewer feedback.