The glitterball appears to be losing its shine for Giovanni Pernice, as the Strictly Come Dancing scandal intensifies with yet another celebrity coming forward with allegations about the professional dancer's behaviour.
Wynne Evans, the Welsh opera singer famous for his Go Compare advertisements, has reportedly supported claims made by former partners of Pernice, including Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington. This development makes Evans the third celebrity to back allegations about Pernice's conduct during training.
The BBC has confirmed it has launched an internal investigation into the allegations, though specifics about the nature of the complaints remain undisclosed. A spokesperson stated the corporation takes its duty of care to participants "extremely seriously."
Evans, who was partnered with Pernice in the 2023 series, has allegedly described his own experience with the dancer as "brutal" and "horrendous," according to sources. His account appears to corroborate previous claims about Pernice's demanding and intense training methods.
Growing Chorus of Concern
The scandal first erupted when Amanda Abbington unexpectedly withdrew from the competition mid-series last year, citing "medical reasons." However, reports later emerged suggesting her departure was linked to difficulties with Pernice's training approach, which she allegedly found "militant" and "unnecessarily harsh."
Since then, two other former celebrity partners—including Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh—have reportedly come forward with similar experiences, painting a pattern of concerning behaviour.
Professional Response and Public Reaction
Pernice, who has been a fan favourite since joining Strictly in 2015 and won the competition in 2021 with Rose Ayling-Ellis, has defended his methods. He maintains that he is simply "passionate" and "competitive," attributes he believes are necessary to produce the best possible performances.
However, the growing number of similar accounts has sparked a significant debate among viewers and industry figures about the line between high standards and unacceptable behaviour in high-pressure entertainment environments.
As the BBC's investigation continues, the future of one of Strictly's most prominent professionals hangs in the balance, leaving fans to wonder if he will return to the dance floor for the next series.
