Giovanni Pernice left Strictly Come Dancing three weeks ago as the BBC launched an investigation because three former dance partners instructed lawyers to make ‘serious complaints’ over his conduct.
Pernice suddenly removed Strictly from his future work schedule – after he was given a contract by the show’s bosses which he had intended to sign.
Now they have been forced to gather evidence after lawyers served three separate grievances by three different women over Pernice’s behaviour.
Amanda and Giovanni
One is Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington and the other two have not yet been named.
It emerged today that the women had instructed legal firm Carter-Ruck to act on their behalf. Meanwhile, Pernice was enjoying a sunshine break in Dubai with girlfriend Molly Brown.
What Abbington Said
In a statement to The Sun Carter-Ruck said: ‘There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence-gathering. As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage’.
Despite claims that Pernice had left Ms Abbington and two of his other dance partners, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh, in tears, the BBC were ‘very, very keen’ to see him back in the ballroom for what will be their 20th anniversary series later this year.
READ ALSO: Ben Affleck was ‘looking miserable’ on SOLO outing amid Jennifer Lopez divorce rumors
Just two days after the report, Abbington posted on her social media: ‘Make people feel embarrassed of being associated with misogynists. Make misogyny unprofitable for anyone to pursue. Deprive misogyny of the oxygen it needs to survive.’
One insider added: ‘Amanda was most certainly referring to Giovanni going back to Strictly and surely that was the point that prompted her to go nuclear.’
Despite reports that Ms Abbington had asked the BBC for footage of rehearsals after claiming to have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of appearing on the show, she hadn’t made a formal complaint to the corporation.
