More BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars plan legal action against Giovanni Pernice as crisis deepens

The BBC Strictly Come Dancing team are in crisis with Giovanni Pernice facing further scrutiny as more celebs are rumoured to be planning a legal challenge against him. Gio's 2016 Strictly partner Laura Whitmore is one of the three original claimants that sparked a BBC investigation along with Amanda Abbington, who quit the show halfway through last year's series amid allegations their rehearsals were "abrasive" and "toxic" and the Italian allegedly "stamped on her foot" leaving her "bruised".

Last night a source said: “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. 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. These are murky, unprecedented waters for both the BBC and Gio; numerous people have spoken out against him, but the allegations are all quite vague. Giovanni, however, remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong and will be cleared.

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“He’s facing scrutiny like never before and it’ll be an anxious wait over the coming weeks and months.” In a post on social media, 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.

"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." The dancer continued: 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."

In a separate statement to The Sun, Giovanni added how it has "come from a place of love and wanting to win". However, a source told The Sun that Amanda had a "terrible time" with Giovanni and felt that his behaviour was "bullying and abrasive".

A source has claimed that Amanda would be "in tears" after their communication broke down and said she "tried every avenue to try and make it work". The source added: "She desperately wanted it to work but invariably it would break down. An urgent medical condition eventually allowed her to quit."