The BBC today broke its silence over the investigation into allegedly ‘threatening and abusive’ behaviour by Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice on the show.
The corporation said it had ‘duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint’ and always considers any issues raised with ‘care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone’.
The BBC added that when any complaint is made by someone, it will ‘assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts’ and ‘whether there is a case to answer’.
Professional dancer Pernice, 33, is at the centre of the BBC probe following claims by his Strictly partner Amanda Abbington, 52, and two other women of misconduct.
Abbington has hired legal firm Carter-Ruck while Giovanni Pernice is fighting back with lawyers at Schillings, but is said to have quit Strictly after nine years on the show.
A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline today: ‘It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals.
Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
‘Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.
‘If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
‘This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
‘Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned. We will not be commenting further.’
Yesterday, Giovanni Pernice was given a show of loyalty by Strictly judge Anton Du Beke as the pair began rehearsals for their tour Anton & Giovanni Together at a London dance hall.
Du Beke, 57, said in an Instagram video: ‘First day of rehearsals, always my favourite day.’
Giovnni Pernice added: ‘We are back on tour, we are back, it feels nice.’
Friends said the dancer was ‘excited’ to be back at work after weeks of torment, with a source adding: ‘Anton is extremely loyal and is backing Gio all of the way. They are really close.’
Abbington was said to be furious at the revelation becoming public that Pernice had asked for their rehearsals to be recorded, as revealed in The Mail On Sunday.
And earlier this week, Pernice’s lawyers vowed that he ‘won’t be cancelled’ and will ‘clear his name’ and ‘fully co-operate’ with the BBC’s inquiry.
The under-fire star hired Schillings — a top law company known for defending celebrities – which TV insiders described as a ‘bold move’ after
Abbington and two other women instructed rival lawyers at Carter Ruck.
It came after the BBC refused to deny whether Pernice’s dance partner, Rose Ayling-Ellis, had also made a complaint about his behaviour during the 2021 series – which they won.
In a statement to the Mail, Schillings said: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.
‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made the producers have a duty of care. Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his rep against accusations against him.’
The move, some say, means ‘war’ after Abbington claimed Pernice left her bruised after stamping on her foot.
Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh and presenter Laura Whitmore – also partners of Pernice – have met with Abbington to discuss their own experiences.
Meanwhile, there are question marks over whether Ayling-Ellis had also made a complaint about his behaviour.
A Strictly insider said: ‘This could change things hugely for Gio. He and Rose were the darlings of the 2021 series.’