BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice denies ‘nonsense’ claims of ‘rift’ with co stars

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice's reps have rubbished reports that the dancer is causing a stir behind the scenes of the hit BBC show.

The Daily Star reported that Giovanni has been labelled "out of control" by both crew members and professional dancers, who say his personality is rubbing people up the wrong way.

It was claimed that he was rude to many of the new dancers on the show, thinking he's "superior" to them because he's been on the series for a while.

However, when OK! contacted the 33-year-old's representatives, they refuted the claims, saying: "This story is simply nonsense."

The source previously alleged: "He doesn't treat the new dancers with much respect. He has not created a welcoming environment for them at all. Many of them don't really speak to him and just see him passing in the hall."

A representative for Strictly declined to comment when approached by OK.

The report comes after Giovanni's dancing partner Amanda Abbington decided to quit the show due "personal reasons".

Presenter Fleur East announced that the actress had withdrawn from the competition on the spin-off show It Takes Two on Monday night.

A BBC spokesperson said: "Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future."

While Giovanni paid tribute to Amanda and said he was "sending her so much love" in an Instagram post, Amanda appeared to then snub him.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, she thanked production staff and "everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring," but she failed to mention Giovanni.

But the Italian dancer, who scooped up the Glitterball trophy with Rose Ayling-Ellis after his win in 2021, broke his silence regarding Amanda's exit on Instagram on Monday night.

Sharing an image of himself and Amanda taken backstage during Movie Week, Giovanni wrote: "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."

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night on BBC One.

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