The pair won the show in 2021 but it seems behind-the-scenes there was some tension
STRICTLY winner Rose Ayling-Ellis once likened dance partner Giovanni Pernice to a “lizard” due to his behaviour during their rehearsals.
It comes after the show was thrown into chaos when pro dancer Graziano, 30, was axed following allegations of an altercation between him and Zara McDermott.
3
Rose Ayling-Ellis called Giovanni Pernice a ‘lizard’Credit: Getty
3
The pair won the show in 2021Credit: PA
3
It comes after Graziano Di Prima was axed at the weekendCredit: Getty
The allegations come hot on the heels of the ongoing scandal involving Giovanni, 33 – who is under investigation by the BBC following allegations of misconduct made by Amanda Abbington.
Now it appears all may have not been what it seems behind-the-scenes with Gio’s 2021 Strictly dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis.
The pair won the show that year and scooped the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
They also appeared to form a tight bond during their time dancing together.
However, in an unearthed interview Rose can be seen calling Giovanni a “lizard” because of the way he would often get cross during rehearsals.
During a live show episode of Strictly, host Claudia Winkleman asked Rose: “You have a new name for Gio?”
To which the EastEnders actress replied: “Yes, we have…crrrk (mimes a Lizard) Which means, it’s a lizard.”
Looking pleased with the nickname, Gio confirmed: “A lizard.”
Explaining further Rose said: “A lizard because I do dancing and I get my steps wrong, the lizard comes out, crrrkk!
“Then if I get the steps right, he calms down.
Claudia then joked: “Oh, so he is like… I think it’s a frilled lizard.”
With Gio simply saying, “yes”.
Talking about the forthcoming week of rehearsals, Rose said: “It think it will be a full week of crrrk!.
Claudia added: “Yes! There you go! A week of frilled lizard!”
The Sun previously revealed how Rose had “distanced herself from Gio” following the allegations made by Amanda Abbington.
Meanwhile, Strictly is reportedly “at risk of being being cancelled” following the Graziano and Giovanni scandals.
Graziano was accused of hitting, kicking and spitting at Zara McDermott when they were teamed up for the competition last year.
Now it’s been claimed it could be ‘the beginning of the end’ for Strictly.
A source said: “There is absolutely no doubt that those very high up on Strictly, and wider at the BBC, knew about Graziano’s behaviour but they allowed him to still appear on screen.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the TV insider continued: “How on earth can you just let them off when they have done something like that?
“Maybe it’s because he was adored by some of the bosses, who knows, but whatever the reason for not dealing with this properly cannot be ignored. This is surely the beginning of the end for Strictly now. This is a terrible, terrible crisis.”
He said: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.
“My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.
“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
But there was a mystery when Graziano’s original statement appeared to be deleted and replaced with a slightly edited version.
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”.
News
I’M DONE WITH YOU! Harry Shocks With Rage As Meghan Pack All Her Bags And Leave Montecito At 7Am
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent argument in Montecito has ignited intense public and media scrutiny. Witnesses reported a heated exchange, with Meghan hastily packing her belongings and leaving at 2 a.m., while Harry was heard shouting, “I’m done with…
SHE ASKED ME TO DESTROY HER! Meg TERRIFIED As Anne Honours Queen Last WISH To Destroy Netflix Act
In her final days, Queen Elizabeth II made one last request of her only daughter, Princess Anne. The aging monarch was deeply concerned about the damage being done to the royal family’s reputation by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke…
THAT WASN’T ARCHIE! Arthur Edwards EXPOSES Meghan’s 4 Year Secret About Staged Photo Of Fake Archie
The Royal Baby Photo Call: A Storm of Controversy Brews The birth of Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first child, was a momentous occasion, eagerly anticipated by the world. However, the public introduction of their newborn son at…
HOW DARE YOU! Kate REOPENS Meghan SLAPP!NG Case Of Princess Charlotte & Files LawSuit After CBS Talk
The simmering feud between the Sussexes and the Royal Family has erupted into a full-blown war, with the Palace launching a blistering counter-attack against Meghan Markle’s claims of being bullied. In a stunning reversal of the narrative, the Palace has…
TRAGIC EVENT! Meghan & Harry To SELL £11M Mansion As They Are Chased Out By Montecito Neighbors
The gates of the sprawling $11 million Montecito estate swung open as the black SUV sped out, leaving the luxurious property behind in a cloud of dust. Inside the vehicle, the driver’s knuckles were white as they gripped the steering…
Meghan Gets OFFENDED by Jane Pauley Questions about Her Kids On CBS Sunday Morning Interview.
Meghan Markle’s recent interview with Jane Pauley on CBS has reignited controversy, particularly due to her visibly uncomfortable reaction to questions about her children. This incident has sparked renewed debate about the legitimacy of her family, with speculation growing over…
End of content
No more pages to load