Strictly: BBC investigates Giovanni Pernice over training complaints

The professional dancer has quit Strictly Come Dancing but the broadcaster is investigating complaints from former contestants, including Amanda Abbington
Alex Farber
, Media Correspondent
The Times
Amanda Abbington, the actress, accused Giovanni Pernice of being “too tough” during training sessions
Amanda Abbington, the actress, accused Giovanni Pernice of being “too tough” during training sessions
PA
Alex Farber
, Media Correspondent
The Times

The BBC is said to be examining “serious complaints” by a number of former Strictly Come Dancing celebrities about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.

Law firm Carter-Ruck said that the broadcaster is “evidence gathering” after being approached with the allegations about Pernice, 33, who has quit the show.

The Italian dance champion’s name has reportedly not been attached to internal documents relating to next year’s series.

A spokesman for Carter-Ruck said: “There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering. As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage.”

Giovanni Pernice, the Italian professional dancer, is believed to have left Strictly Come Dancing
Giovanni Pernice, the Italian professional dancer, is believed to have left Strictly Come Dancing
THE

The Sun reported that the Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, 52, was among the contestants to have instructed lawyers after