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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Giovanni Pernice declares his love for girlfriend Molly Brown amid Strictly Come Dancing probe

Giovanni Pernice has declared his love for girlfriend Molly Brown while working to clear his name amid his Strictly Come Dancing controversy.

The Italian dancer is battling accusations of “threatening and abusive” behaviour from former celebrity dance partners, claims which Pernice strongly denies.

Since reports of an internal BBC investigation following the complaints, the 33-year-old has been sharing a slew of updates with his model girlfriend.

Now under Brown’s latest social media post, he commented “My love” as she shared several photos and videos from their romantic weekend getaway to Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire.

In one photo, the pair could be seen hugging while clad in bathrobes on a terrace while another clip saw Pernice playfully kissing Brown’s cheek.

The social media update comes after Pernice said he will “fully co-operate” with the BBC after the broadcaster launched an investigation into his conduct while working as a professional dancer on Strictly.

The BBC star vowed he won’t be “cancelled” and has hired London-based legal firm Schillings.

In a statement, his solicitors said: “Schillings is engaging with BBC studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.

“As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care.

“Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his rep against accusations against him.”

A source close to Pernice added to MailOnline: “Giovanni has instructed Schillings and is clear he will not be cancelled by spurious and unfounded allegations in the press.

“He has faith in the process and is fully participating, that is the right and proper forum for the all allegations to be made and reviewed.

“He is confident he will clear his name, the only substantive allegation is that he stepped on someone else’s toes - an occupational hazard dancing professionally or at a wedding.

“Giovanni has made no secret that he is a hard taskmaster, that's what is required on Strictly.

“But he has and will deny any allegations of threatening or abusive behaviour.”

The BBC is investigating complaints about his conduct on the show, according to reports.

Law firm 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.”

The Sun, which was the first to report suggestions that an investigation was under way, has also claimed Pernice has quit the show.

Neither the BBC nor Pernice has confirmed his departure.

Sicily-born Pernice, a previous winner of the Italian Championships dance competition, has been on the BBC One celebrity dancing show since 2015.

In 2021, he lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf contestant to win.

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