Strictly Come Dancing's beloved host Tess Daly has broken her silence on the growing Giovanni Pernice scandal that has sent shockwaves through the BBC dancing competition. The television presenter, who has fronted the show since 2004, finally addressed the controversy surrounding the professional dancer in her own subtle way.
Daly took to social media with a carefully crafted message that many fans are interpreting as her first public comment on the matter. While she didn't mention Pernice by name, the timing and content of her post have set Strictly enthusiasts abuzz with speculation.
The Cryptic Message That Says It All
In what appears to be a telling statement about the current situation, Daly shared: "Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is walk away" - words that resonate deeply given Pernice's recent departure from the show.
The Italian dancer's exit comes amid serious allegations from his former celebrity partners, most notably actress Amanda Abbington. The Sherlock star has claimed she suffered from PTSD following her intense training sessions with Pernice during the 2023 series.
Growing List of Complaints
The controversy has escalated significantly with three of Pernice's former dance partners now reportedly seeking legal advice and considering formal complaints about his alleged behaviour. This includes:
- Amanda Abbington - his most recent partner
- Another former celebrity partner from a previous series
- A third woman who trained with him professionally
The BBC has confirmed they're gathering evidence and have launched an internal investigation into the serious claims.
Pernice's Fighting Response
Despite the mounting pressure, Giovanni Pernice isn't going quietly. The 33-year-old dancer has hired top legal representation and insists he's determined to clear his name.
"He's shocked by the allegations against him and is fully cooperating with the BBC investigation," a source close to the dancer revealed. "Giovanni maintains he's always been passionate about creating the best performances possible and denies any intentional harmful behaviour."
As the investigation continues, the Strictly community waits with bated breath to see how this dramatic situation will unfold, with Tess Daly's poignant words adding another layer to this developing story.
