Yahoo News BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice asks for fans' help after responding to claims
Giovanni Pernice has asked for his fans' help just days after issuing a statement about his conduct on Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer, who has been part of the BBC One dance contest since 2015 and won in 2021 alongside actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, has been subject to a number of claims in recent months.
But Giovanni has denied allegations that he was 'threatening or abusive' during training sessions. The Italian star, who is also facing rumours he has quit Strictly after nine years on the show, issued a statement "rejecting any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour" via his Instagram account.
It read: "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. Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive."
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The 33-year-old continued: "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! Giovanni."
While details of the 2024 edition of Strictly have yet to be revealed, Giovanni is said to have had talks with the Beeb over his return to the series. In a statement shared with the Mirror, a BBC spokesperson said: "The Professional Dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course."
Now, following the statement on Sunday (May 19), Giovanni has returned to Instagram to ask for his fans' help. He shared a video of himself and friend and Strictly co-star Anton Du Beke in which he vowed to get a tattoo in tribute to the show's judge if they win a National Television Award.
And on Tuesday (May 21) the long list for the upcoming awards was revealed and the pair have been nominated in the 'Factual Entertainment' category for their recent BBC travel series, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain, while Anton has also received an individual nomination in the 'Expert' category for his role on the Strictly judging panel.
Captioning the video to his 1.1 million followers, Giovanni said: "Let’s see if I can keep my promise... vote now https://www.nationaltvawards.com/vote !! @mrantondubeke @officialntas."
