Strictly star Giovanni Pernice denies fresh 'accusations' amid 'totally untrue stories'

Giovanni Pernice has firmly refuted "the latest accusations" levelled against him - asserting his commitment to clearing his name.

Taking to social media platforms early on Sunday morning, the 33 year old Italian professional dancer addressed "totally untrue stories" circulating about him and expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of his fans during the ongoing BBC probe.

Although Giovanni will not be featuring in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, he has been at the centre of controversies for several months following claims about his behaviour during his previous participation in the popular dance show - claims which he has consistently repudiated.

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His former dance partner, actress Amanda Abbington, made an early exit from the show and later disclosed that she had been experiencing PTSD. It is understood that following complaints lodged by Amanda and other past celebrity dance partners, the BBC launched an internal investigation.

As fresh allegations associated with Giovanni's reported conduct behind the scenes of Strictly surfaced on Saturday night, the dance professional was swift in disputing them. In the dead of night, with a post on Instagram, Giovanni communicated with his fanbase, reports the Mirror.

The victorious 2019 champion, who danced his way to the top with Rose Ayling-Ellis, stated: "To my fans and followers, Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media. As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false."

"I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth. I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support your messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni."

Blue singer Duncan James was one of the first to comment on Giovanni's post, telling his friend: "Stay strong my friend. The truth always comes out in the end. Sending u love my bro."

"Stay strong. Your dedication and incredible talent will always shine brighter," Gillian McKeith penned, as a fan added: "Stay strong Gio. We love you. Xxx."

The cast for the upcoming series of Strictly was recently announced, with Giovanni's name noticeably absent from the list of returning professional dancers. After the news broke of his abrupt departure from the show, Giovanni shared a video on his Instagram Stories showing him back in dance training.

In the clip, Giovanni can be seen leading a series of group dance sessions. He simply added three heart emojis to the post, defiantly signalling to fans that he isn't giving up on his love of dance. His video was also shared on the official Ballando account, and fans were quick to voice their excitement about seeing Giovanni back on the dance floor.

This follows rumours suggesting he would not rejoin the 2024 cast as a leaked internal memo didn't include his name amongst this year's roster of professional dancers. Giovanni made his Strictly debut in 2015 reaching the final with Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote.

Most notable achievement till date was when he lifted the glitterball trophy along with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who became the first deaf contestant ever to clinch the win.

Previously, Giovanni rejected the accusations of exhibiting "abusive or threatening behaviour" and has expressed his eagerness to clear his name. The legal firm representing those complaining about him mentioned that the broadcaster is currently "gathering evidence"; BBC, however, hasn't confirmed yet if an investigation is underway.