Strictly fans start campaign to BOYCOTT 2024 series after Giovanni Pernice quits
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have started an online campaign to BOYCOTT the BBC show amid the Giovanni Pernice scandal.
Many viewers who support the under-fire pro are unimpressed that he will not be returning to the Saturday night extravaganza.
The Sun first reported that Giovanni, 33, quit the show back in May after it emerged that there would be an investigation into allegations about behind the scenes ‘misconduct’.
It came after Giovanni’s last celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, left the show early due to ‘medical reasons’ – and has since instructed legal firm Carter Ruck after claiming her time working with Giovanni left her with PTSD.
But now many supporters of the Italian dancer believe that Giovanni has been unfairly treated and feel like he was forced out before the probe has been finished.
Taking to social media platform X, one vented: “Kinda feeling I’m gonna boycott @bbcstrictly this year. This whole Giovani thing is ridiculous. Amanda Abington is a gob*****. Plus they STILL have the unbearable, still thinks she’s 21 Ballas on it. Nah, not for me thanks.”
A second agreed: “Disgusting the way Gio has been treated, have been watching Strictly since the start but will boycott this year!”
A third chimed in: “Won’t be the same without Gio.”
“Strictly won’t be Strictly without Gio,” agreed a fourth.
And a fifth echoed the sentiment, saying: “Not sure it will be worth watching this year.”
The boycott threats come as Amanda was spotted looking tearful in the street after revealing she had received death threats.
She was seen yesterday visiting London member’s bar Groucho Club in Soho with friends and at one point, looked emotional with a pal.
Amanda was snapped shared a cuddle in the street with her actress friend Sue Vincent, who looked to be consoling her.
Amanda, who has quit social media, recently revealed she had been targeted by Gio supporters in the wake of him leaving the show, telling us: “I’m very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.”
She has accused Giovanni of being “nasty” and “awful” to her, which the dancer has steadfastly denied.
In a statement at the weekend, Giovanni posted on social media: “To my fans and followers,” and continued in the text with the words: “As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.
“The latest accusations are simply false.
“I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.
“As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”
Many of Giovanni’s co-stars have been silent on the scandal, but he has received public support from former celeb partner Debbie McGee as well as head judge Shirley Ballas.
Debbie, who was partnered with Giovanni when she took part in the show back in 2017, said on instagram:: “I am heartbroken for @giovannipernice. My experience on Strictly will always be happy and life changing.
“Gio nurtured me through my grief and gave me confidence I could do things I thought was beyond me.”
During a recent public appearance, meanwhile, Shirley also vocalised how she would miss Giovanni.
She said: “I just spoke to Giovanni 30 minutes before coming here and I am going to one of his ballando classes to teach the jive. He is coming to my party on Sunday.
“You know, I can only talk from my own perspective.I have known Giovanni for ten years.
“He has always been to me, — and I will make that clear, to me — a perfect gentleman. I know he is a hard worker. He wants people to do the very best that they can do.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “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.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
“Obviously, in my life, I was bullied a lot. I don’t condone bullying on any path.”
She added: “But I don’t believe gossip because things are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball.
“So my feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation and the truth will come out.
“So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely, 100 percent.”