Yahoo News Strictly's Gorka Márquez responds to Giovanni Pernice absence
Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez has responded to Giovanni Pernice's absence from the upcoming season.
Gorka and his co-star Karen Hauer appeared on Good Morning Britain today, with host Susanna Reid asking them about Giovanni's exit amid claims regarding his behaviour during show training.
Giovanni has strongly denied the allegations, calling them "false".
"Can I just ask about Gio – because you're now the longest-running dancer, because Gio is not going to be involved in this series," Susanna said on Tuesday (June 25).
"What is that like for the Strictly family when someone of that level leaves?"
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Gorka said the decision made was "sad for everybody", and likened Giovanni's absence to losing other Strictly veterans.
"It's like when Aljaž [Škorjanec] leaves or Oti [Mabuse] leaves, or when Anton [Du Beke] decides to go to the judge role," the dancer said.
"Everyone is a big part of the show. When someone decides to leave or change their careers, it's sad for everybody."
Asked about whether he's in touch with Giovanni, Gorka said they speak "sometimes" and that Giovanni is busy on his Together tour with Anton Du Beke.
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"Sometimes we speak, he's busy, I'm busy. He's on tour at the minute with Anton," Gorka said.
Earlier this month, Giovanni released a statement following the news he won't be appearing on the upcoming season of Strictly.
"As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false," he wrote on Instagram.
"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."
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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