Former Strictly star Giovanni Pernice 'made lewd gesture' to dance partners during rehearsals, BBC

Former Strictly star Giovanni Pernice 'made lewd gesture' to dance partners during rehearsals, BBC
Former Strictly star Giovanni Pernice 'made lewd gesture' to dance partners during rehearsals, BBC inquiry reveals amid workplace 'misconduct' probe
Giovanni Pernice reportedly 'grabbed his crotch' in front of dance partners during rehearsals, BBC investigators have been told.
The organisisation are reportedly scouring nine years of footage from Strictly professional Giovanni's training sessions, as the explosive show scandal continues to rumble on.
It's also claimed that Amanda Abbington - one of the three stars who have filed complaints against the 33-year-old pro dancer- has vowed to leave 'nothing unsaid' in her meeting with investigators this week.
The team investigating the bullying allegations has heard evidence that he made Amanda feel distressed when telling her in a crude manner if she danced well in rehearsals, according to The Sun.
A source told the publication: 'The BBC inquiry has been told Giovanni's lewd behaviour wasn't limited solely to Amanda - he did similar to other dance partners as well.
'It's alleged he would grab his crotch in front of them if they did something good in rehearsals.'
Giovanni has since shared a statement on social media denying these claims and said he is, 'looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth'.
The BBC also said: 'It is our longstanding position that we do not comment on specific matters relating to individuals.'
MailOnline has contacted Giovanni's representatives for further comment.
It comes after Giovanni returned to social media for the first time on Thursday after the BBC confirmed he would not be returning to the show.
The dancer shared a video to the Ballando Instagram account in which he could be seen taking charge in leading a series of group dance sessions.
Keeping his words to a minimum, he simply added three love heart emojis to the post - proving that he still has a passion for dance.
The dancer is set to return to the stage for his show - The Anton and Giovanni Together live tour - on Friday alongside Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Giovanni's alleged workplace 'misconduct' is still ongoing.
His absence from this year's line-up was finally revealed on Monday when the BBC1 show announced which dancers would be competing.
The big reveal is a routine procedure by show bosses and does not mark the end of the probe into Giovanni's behaviour.
A show insider said: 'Giovanni's case is very much ongoing. The announcement is circulated when Strictly have finalised the contracts of the pros who are able to compete.
'Giovanni's absence has been known for some weeks, he won't have anything to do with the 2024 season.
'But the investigation into his alleged wrongdoings will continue to develop alongside preparation for the upcoming series.'
The BBC launched an investigation after the dancer, 33, was accused of 'threatening and abusive behaviour' while working with celebrity contestants on the show, including Amanda Abbington, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore.
Last week a male celebrity reportedly joined the group of women making complaints about Giovanni's behaviour.
It has also been claimed that a professional dancer needed three months of therapy after starring on the show alongside Giovanni.
The Sun reported that the unnamed fellow dancer suffered 'significant emotional distress' on the show, that required professional help.
A source told the publication: 'One of the dancers on the show found it so traumatising that they sought professional help. The show is unlike anything else on TV. The pressure on those taking part is huge and shouldn't be under-estimated.
'But Giovanni's demanding behaviour behind the scenes took it up a notch and caused significant emotional distress.
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