James Jordan has weighed in on the Giovanni Pernice controversy, saying there is ‘no smoke without fire’ after he was excluded from the Strictly Come Dancing line up.
Last month it was reported that the BBC had launched an investigation into the Italian professional dancer, 33, after a former contestant made allegations about his behavior on the show.
It followed reports that four of the former partners, believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore, and Ranvir Singh met to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with people on the show.
A source recently said one former Strictly partner of Giovanni claimed they needed a month of therapy after the show.
He accused Gionvanni of ‘demanding behaviour’ which ’caused significant emotional distress’.
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Giovanni denies all allegations against him, saying he denies any suggestion of violent or threatening behavior, and that I hope to clear my name. Dancers are also said to be seeking legal advice.
The pro line-up for the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing was confirmed on June 10, with all the professionals – including Kai Widdrington, Neil Jones, Dianne Buswell, and Nadia Bychkova – returning, but Giovanni’s name did not appear.
Now Strictly star James Jordan, who appeared on the show from 2006 to 2013, has spoken out about Giovanni, who has starred in the ITV competition since 2016.
‘What I will say is there’s no smoke without fire,’ James told This Morning sitting next to his wife Ola from their home in Kent.
‘The BBC I think has handled it very well. Whether Gionvanni has decided not to come back or if the BBC has told him not to come back, I will be interested to see what the answer is,” he added.
James continued: ‘I would be devastated if one of my previous celebrity partners said I was rude and didn’t treat them well during training. But he’s four.’
Kristina Rihanoff also appeared on This Morning, and defended Giovanni as a ‘perfectionist’.
‘I think when he’s working on the show and we’re dancing in group numbers, he’s always a very easy person,’ she said, adding: ‘He’s very easy to work with for me.’
In a statement on social media last month, Giovanni wrote: ‘To my dear fans, you will be as shocked as I am that allegations have been made about dance teaching methods in the media this week.
‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of violence or threats, and I hope to clear my name.’
The 33-year-old continued: ‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the past decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No one is more ambitious for a dance partner than I am.
‘I always try to make him the best dancer I can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.’
He ended his message by writing: ‘Thank you again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.’
Claims over his actions in Strictly first appeared when there were rumors of a behind-the-scenes feud between him and the Sherlock actress Amanda, after she left the show and then said to seek legal advice.
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