Giovanni Pernice’s former Strictly Come Dancing partner Rose Ayling-Ellis is reportedly distancing herself from him following a series of allegations about his teaching style.
Following months of speculation, it was claimed last week that Giovanni, 33, has quit the BBC One competition and that the broadcaster was launching an investigation following accusations over his behaviour.
The Italian pro has defended himself on social media, saying he ‘rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name’.
Meanwhile, Strictly stars like Stacey Dooley have spoken out, following reports months ago that his former partners Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore, and Ranvir Singh met to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him on the show.
Now, former EastEnders actress Rose is said to be ‘finding the whole situation really tough’.
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A source continued: ‘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,’ they added to The Sun.
The 29-year-old lifted the glitterball trophy with Giovanni in 2021, making history as the first deaf contestant to do so, and winning a Bafta for their legendary silent dance.
Reports of a behind-the-scenes feud emerged during the last series of Strictly – which saw Ellie Leach crowned winner with Vito Coppola – after Sherlock actress Amanda, 52, quit after five weeks, and was later said to be seeking legal advice.
In the weeks that followed, other Strictly stars jumped in to defend Giovanni, including his former dance partners.
While Amanda has not said much over her exit, citing ‘personal reasons’ at the time, it later emerged that she’d requested video footage of her rehearsals and was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly.
It has since been said that the Mr Selfridge actress would be ‘bruised’ after training with Giovanni for the competition.
‘Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio,’ a source said.
‘She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried every avenue to try and make it work.’
In a statement posted on Instagram earlier this week – which has been liked by Ant McPartlin’s ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, a make-up artist on Strictly – Giovanni wrote: ‘To my dear fans, 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.’
He continued: ‘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.’
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He concluded his message by writing: ‘ Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.’
The BBC has yet to confirm the official professional line-up for the upcoming season of Strictly.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Rose’s reps for comment.
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Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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