Giovanni Pernice returns to social media and makes plea to fans as he brushes off Strictly scandal
GIOVANNI Pernice brushed off his Strictly exit as he returned to social media to make a plea with fans.
The dancer, 33, took to his Instagram to ask his followers to support his show Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain at this year's National Television Awards.
It comes after it was revealed that the Italian TV star is being investigated by the BBC after at least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him.
In his latest Instagram post he didn't mention any of the allegations and focused on his NTA nomination.
Giovanni said in the Instagram video: "Listen, if we win the NTAs, I'm going to put your initials here Anton Du Beke - A.D.B."
The dancers then shook hands and made it a deal.
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"That's a promise," Gio added.
The TV star captioned his post: "Let’s see if I can keep my promise ..🙃 vote now."
Gio then shared a link for fans to click on to share their support.
The three-part BBC show aired back in March this year.
Back in 2023 fans were treated to Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily.
It comes after Gio was axed from the upcoming series of Strictly - and rejected the allegations.
In his statement on social media, he wrote: "To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
"No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me,” he continued. “I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!"
Three of Gio's former celebrity partners have come forward to make formal complaints claiming they were “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
Those include Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington.
Fans also said they spotted a ‘clue’ Giovanni was locked in a feud with his Strictly co-stars months ago.
It was pointed out that many of his co-stars have failed to show their support in public.
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One fan said: "If you check Gio’s past posts, the pros never likes his posts."
And many of the current Strictly pros have failed to engage with him over the past few months.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He flees the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".