Lorraine Kelly gives nine-word verdict on Giovanni Pernice saga as Strictly pro speaks out
The Strictly Come Dancing professional has denied any wrongdoing following accusations about his behaviour on the show.
Lorraine Kelly issues Giovanni Pernice update
Lorraine Kelly has shared her opinion about the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing saga involving professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. The 33-year-old has been the subject of damning allegations since his former partner Amanda Abbington claimed the show left her with post-traumatic stress disorder last year.
On Sunday, Giovanni released a statement addressing claims about his behaviour made my past celebrity partners, following reports he has also decided to quit the BBC show. Taking to his Instagram page in view of his 1.1 million followers, he 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." The TV star 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." He signed off the post, adding: "Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!"
Discussing the situation on her show this morning, the 64-year-old told viewers: "He's spoken out over the weekend to defend himself over claims about his behaviour with celebrity partners." The host proceeded to read out parts of his statement and echoed reports about him leaving the show.
Giving her opinion, she continued: "That's not going to go away is it? I'm sure there'll be more to come on that."
Giovanni's response comes after the BBC launched an investigation into "serious workplace misconduct claims" by three of his celebrity partners.
A spokesperson from law firm Carter Ruck, who is acting for the complainants, has told Express.co.uk: “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."
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A source has claimed the situation is a "nightmare" for the corporation, who are said to "gathering evidence" following the complaints.
They also told The Sun that the three contestants in question are "deeply traumatised" by "his training methods and behaviour".
Questions about Giovanni's teaching were raised last year following his headline-grabbing partnership with Amanda Abbington.
The Sherlock actress quit the show just five weeks in the process, citing medical and personal issues at the time.
She later returned to Instagram to thank her co-stars for their support, but didn't include Giovanni.
The dancer previously defended his teaching style back in January when quizzed by Alex Jones on The One Show.
He shared: "Well I am definitely a perfectionist, you know I like, I like to, like everybody else, like every other competitor I like to win.
"But for me, it’s more about, I want to take out the best out of my partner. Especially if I see there is talent. I want to do my job.
"When you're on Strictly you got only one week. I mean you know."
