Strictly's Giovanni Pernice's friends on what he's really like amid row
10.01.2024 - 00:44
/ ok.co.uk
Giovanni Pernice has found himself at the centre of row in regards to his work style after actress Amanda Abbington quit last year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The Sherlock star has reportedly now asked for videos of their training sessions, and now says she has PTSD from her time on the BBC dance competition. But this isn't the first time that Giovanni's teaching methods have been questioned, with there having been reports of disagreements with some of his previous partners, including Laura Whitmore who said she cried every day. However, BBC sources say bosses are "puzzled" by Amanda's request.
A source told the Mirror that while there have been occasional complaints about Giovanni's regime, his behaviour hasn't ever crossed a line to warrant any investigation. They also said none of his previous celebrity partners have made an official complaint, and the latest allegations are being considered "excessive". Giovanni, a world-champion Latin dancer, joined Strictly in 2015.
He holds the record for the most number of perfect 10s, with an impressive 98 across eight series. In 2021, he won over the nation as he danced with the competition's first deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis. We're taking a peek into what pals say about the real Giovanni Pernice, from his family ties, how work affects his love life, and his tight-knit friendships with fellow Strictly stars...
Giovanni's early years Born in Sicily, Giovanni was known as a cheeky kid at school. He fell head over heels for dance after watching a TV show and moved to Bologna alone at 14 to focus on his dance studies, thanks to a scholarship he won. It was a tough move for the young lad, and there were times he sobbed on the phone to his mum, who urged him to keep going.