Giovanni Pernice has dismissed claims about his behavior while working on Strictly Come Dancing as “simply untrue”.
The 33-year-old Italian dancer said he is “cooperating fully” with an ongoing BBC investigation and hopes to “clear my name”.
The broadcaster confirmed last week that it will not return for the new series, which it has been working on for nine years.
Pernice has already rejected the allegations he displayed”abusive or threatening behavior“while working as a professional dancer in BBC One prime time programfollowing complaints about his conduct.
In an Instagram post on Sunday morning, he wrote: “To my fans and followers,
“Every week there are completely false stories about me in the media.
“As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behavior. The latest accusations are simply false.
“I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.
“As requested, I have remained silent, but I look forward to the conclusion of the investigation and finally clearing my name and establishing the truth.
“I’m so happy to be back on tour. Thank you everyone for your continued support – your messages and love mean so much to me. I hope to see many of you soon and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Love, Giovanni.”
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice in 2022. File photo: PA
Read more on Sky News:
Inside the UK music festival crisis
Gordon Ramsey says he’s ‘lucky to be alive’
Pernice, who has been part of Strictly since 2015 when she reached the grand final with Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote, is currently on tour with fellow professional dancer Anton Du Beke, with whom she has also presented a travel show.
Keep up with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
In 2021, Pernice lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf contestant.
A law firm acting on behalf of whistleblowers said the broadcaster is “gathering evidence”, but the BBC has not confirmed whether any investigation has been launched.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
