Strictly Come Dancing bosses are facing an uphill battle to sign up female celebrities for this year amid the backlash over Giovanni Pernice.
The professional dancer, 33, is locked in a legal battle with at least three of his former dance partners who have complained about his conduct. The Italian star denies any wrongdoing.
But show insiders said the row has had a knock-on effect ahead of this year’s series. One said: “Strictly bosses have been left reeling by the backlash against Giovanni. One problem it has caused is that the booking team are struggling to recruit female celebrities for 2024.
“In the past, some women have been reluctant to sign up due to the Strictly curse and others have struggled to commit to the full on schedule. But this has made booking harder than ever. There is a concern amongst some about their treatment, while others are reluctant to be involved with the show while it’s under a shadow.”
Last year Giovanni was partnered with Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, 52, who quit in the fifth week of the contest. Strictly is facing the worst crisis in its 20-year history as lawyers rake over Giovanni’s alleged behaviour in the training room.
It was triggered when a number of his former partners took their complaints to top legal firm Carter Ruck. It sparked the BBC – who had previously backed Giovanni – to launch their own investigation. Meanwhile the under-fire dancer hired his own lawyers from Schillings to fight back. Both sides are now understood to be compiling evidence to support their cases.
Responding to the claims last week Giovanni said: “I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.”
But one of Giovanni Pernice’s former dance partners has broken rank and made a public show of support for the troubled star. Debbie McGee took to Instagram to show fans that her allegiance has not been rocked by the recent allegations.
Debbie, who was partnered with Giovanni in 2017, wrote: “On it” alongside a supportive heart emoji. Its not the first time Debbie has reached out to the dancer this year. When allegations first emerged of a fallout between Giovanni and his 2023 dance partner Amanda Abbington, Debbie made it clear who’s side she was on.
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesman declined to comment.
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