Giovanni Pernice shares loved up snap with girlfriend Molly amid ongoing Strictly drama
GIOVANNI Pernice looks happier than ever in a loved-up new photo with girlfriend Molly Brown amid his Strictly “misconduct” storm.
The 33-year-old reposted a snap from his lover’s page for his 1.1 million Instagram followers to see on his story.
In the photo, the dancer is seen cosying up to Molly on a beach bed.
The blonde beauty captioned the sweet black and white snap: “Happiest with you.”
The pair publicly proclaimed their love for each other at the end of February, with model Molly sharing a picture of the two at a restaurant.
She captioned her post: “Amore Mio,” which means “My Love” in Italian.
A source told The Mirror at the time: “Giovanni and Molly met a few weeks ago, though it is very early days, things seem to be going well between them.
“He has been keeping things quiet because he didn’t want too much pressure on as they’re getting to know each other.”
It’s been a stressful few months for Giovanni who is under internal investigation into his training room conduct while on Strictly.
His former professional partner Amanda Abbington said she had PTSD after dancing with him on the show.
She is being backed by two other female stars – who are helping the Beeb with the probe.
Giovanni has strongly denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.
Last week he released a statement rejecting all claims.
He said: “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.
“I’m so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – your messages and love mean so very much to me.
“I will hopefully see many of you very soon.”
Many of his co-stars have been silent on the scandal, but he has received public support from head judge Shirley Ballas.
She said: “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 the 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”.