Twist in Strictly row as Gio Pernice blocks release of tapes of his rehearsals

DANCER Giovanni Pernice has blocked the release of video tapes of his Strictly rehearsals with Amanda Abbington amid allegations of bullying.

Sicilian professional Giovanni, 33, refused when Sherlock actress Amanda, 52, asked BBC bosses for the footage as she seeks to prove her claims.

One insider told The Sun on Sunday: “It raises the question, ‘What has he got to hide?’. It doesn’t look good.”

The development is the latest twist in a row which flared after Amanda quit Strictly Come Dancing in October last year.

She cited health reasons for her decision — which had followed a request for their training ­sessions to be filmed.

Sources said Amanda asked to have the cameras over concerns about Giovanni’s alleged ­behaviour but his camp claimed it was done at his suggestion.

Mum-of-two Amanda, who has made a formal complaint to the BBC, wants the footage to support her allegations.

The Corporation has launched an investigation into them.

PTSD diagnosis

She told friends last year that stress from dancing with ­Giovanni — who has faced ­complaints from other partners on the show — led to her being diagnosed with PTSD.

It has been claimed her foot was stamped on and she suffered bruising during rehearsals.

At one stage, it is alleged, a mobile phone was thrown.
Amanda — represented by £700-an-hour law firm Carter-Ruck — formally requested BBC Studios hand over the practice session tapes five months ago.

Sources said a data protection officer had to consult Giovanni while considering whether or not to release redacted footage, or to withhold it entirely.

One insider said: “Amanda’s legal team asked for the tapes because she wants people to see how Giovanni spoke to her and how he behaved.

“She was told they couldn’t just hand over the tapes to her because they feature another person, Giovanni, not just her.

“He’s entitled for private ­information or content about him not to be disclosed without his authorisation.”

The insider added: “The BBC will have reviewed the footage and considered if it was possible to redact content showing him.

“Having spoken to him they have decided to withhold it completely at his request. The irony is Giovanni’s camp gave the impression it was his idea for cameras to monitor rehearsals even though Amanda’s pals have insisted it was her.

“If it was Giovanni, why doesn’t he want the footage to be released to Amanda?”

A number of his ex-dance partners have contacted lawyers over his alleged behaviour.

At least two said he used “brutal” training methods that left them “black and blue”.

Telly host Laura Whitmore, 39, his partner in 2016, said she “felt broken . . . mentally and physically by the end”.

Last week, a male celebrity also complained to the women’s legal team about Giovanni, who quit the show last month and denies the claims he faces.

‘A place of love’

Giovanni, who is dating model Molly Brown, 24, said: “I am totally surprised and disappointed to learn of these allegations. 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 . . . will know that I am passionate and competitive.

“No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

“I have always strived 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.”

He is being represented by top London law firm Schillings.

The BBC said: “If a complaint is made, 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.”

We approached Amanda and Giovanni, who won Strictly in 2021 with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, for comment.

The BBC declined to comment.