Blow for under-fire Giovanni Pernice as Strictly co-star pulls out of joint gig

GIOVANNI Pernice has been dealt another blow after his Strictly co-star pulled out of a joint dancing gig.

The Italian quit the BBC show earlier this year – despite starting negotiations for another series – and is now under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.

Recently, we reported how Pasquale La Rocca, who is a pro on the Belgium version of Dancing with the Stars, had pulled out of the Ballando dance classes he was running with Giovanni, 33.

Now Gio’s Strictly Come Dancing co-star Kai Widdrington, 28, has followed suit, with a statement revealing “other commitments” had come to the fore.

It came shortly after we reported the pair’s partnership for the live show in the summer.

A statement on Ballando’s Instagram page read: “Unfortunately Kai is no longer able to attend on the 28th July due to other commitments… crossed diaries!

“Both Kai and Gio were really looking forward to teaching together again, so we’ll try and find another date that works.

“Gio will still be taking classes on the 28th July – same time, same classes, same location.

“Further to follow re booking! See you soon!”

Kai and his girlfriend and fellow dance pro Nadiya Bychkova were also recently pictured with Giovanni during a rehearsal break.

They are currently on a UK tour together, perhaps prompting the clash.

Meanwhile, Strictly champ Gio is still running Ballando classes with a summer date featuring BBC show judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.

DANCE DRAMA

Previously, a trio of Gio’s ex-Strictly partners – including Amanda Abbington and Laura Whitmore – came forward with complaints about him and his behaviour when they were partnered with him on the programme.

Sherlock actress Amanda, who quit Strictly 2023, has since claimed she had mild PTSD from working with Gio.

The Sun has also revealed a male celebrity has now joined them in their complaints.

A source told us: “After three women came forward, a man has now joined their ranks.

“He personally reached out to the women at the heart of this unfolding crisis, offering them his support and full backing.”

Giovanni, who previously denied any wrongdoing and instructed top legal firm Schillings to fight his corner.

The Sun exclusively revealed how a spokesman for Giovanni said: “Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims 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 for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.”

All individual parties are paying the eye-watering legal costs, with the final figure likely to reach upwards of £100,000.

A source previously said: “Giovanni remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong bar being a perfectionist, and a hard taskmaster.

“He wants to hear what allegations these claimants have against him but is adamant he will clear his name.”