CHA-CHA-CHAOS
Strictly ‘in chaos’ as Giovanni Pernice ‘faces agonising wait’ about future on show after Amanda Abbington complaint
It comes after three of his former dancer partners met up in secret
STRICTLY Come Dancing is in "chaos" amid the controversy surrounding professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, according to reports.
The professional dancer, 33, is being welcomed back to the BBC show this year but insiders claim that planning for the series is "on hold".
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Previously, Strictly has announced the official pro dancer line-up in the spring but there is reportedly question marks still hanging over this year's due to the show's boss being on maternity leave.
An insider told : "There’s a bit of chaos surrounding all this year’s show.
"Usually, there would be a decision made on the professional dancers by now but because the boss is off, and she is held in such high regard, everything has been put on hold."
The source insisted that "no decisions would be made without" executive producer Sarah James' approval, adding: "It isn’t really okay to expect someone on maternity leave to get involved in work matters when they are off."
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Strictly declined to comment when contacted by The Sun Online.
Last week, Giovanni's previous celeb partners Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh met to compare notes about their 'negative' experiences in training.
Sherlock actress Amanda quit the Strictly last October citing medical reason, with a source revealing she had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
It came after her time with 33-year-old Giovanni, who is regarded as a “perfectionist”, was blighted by a series of rows.
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It was reported they initially clashed over an intense training schedule, with Amanda struggling with the Italian’s “aggressive training style and attitude”.
Ex Love Island host Laura previously said she “cried every day” and felt “uncomfortable” while training with Gio when they were paired up in 2016.
Strictly's Giovanni Pernice reveals heartbreaking reason he works so hard amid Amanda Abington row
And Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir also apparently flagged an issue during training with Giovanni, saying that she was unhappy.
A telly source told The Sun On Sunday this week that Strictly bosses are yet to decide whether to partner Giovanni up with a celebrity this autumn.
"Bosses are undecided about whether or not they will give Gio a partner, just to take the heat off him," the source said.
“He’s still very much loved by all the head honchos.
“But the big cheeses are wondering if it might be tough to find him a partner, given the reports about his harsh teaching style and the fact anyone who’s paired with him next will have to answer questions about his behaviour.
“The spotlight will be on them from day one, which is a lot to take as well as the pressure of the show.
“Unless they can find someone who specifically asks for him, it could be tricky.”
Last week, Giovanni broke his silence over Amanda's exit from Strictly last October. She had been on the show for five weeks when she decided to walk away.
Giovanni said on the 's Invite Only podcast: "It’s a shame because, in my opinion, she could have gone all the way."
The Italian dancer added: "I am a perfectionist, 100%, but it comes from a perspective of caring.
"I think all of the professional dancers are in the same place.
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"If you’re a professional dancer on one of these shows, you have to get these people looking the best they can on Saturday night."
A BBC spokesperson previously told The Sun: “The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course.”
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