STRICTLY Come Dancing legend Kristina Rihanoff has spoken in defence of Giovanni Pernice after he quit the programme. The Italian dancer's exit was confirmed yesterday when the BBC released the 2024 line-up of its professionals. After nine years on the programme, Giovanni's omission was notable and follows his on-going row with actress Amanda Abbington, who he was partnered with on last year's programme.
There have been accusations of brutal behaviour in the rehearsal room which led Amanda to quit the show and saw her diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder. Speaking for the first time about it, she said: “Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.
” Three more of Giovanni's past partners have come forward with complaints against the star and the BBC is conducting an investigation. Today Russian pro Kristina spoke to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard about Giovanni's decision to leave the show. She said professionally Giovanni was always "easy-going to work with" and his loss, from a choreography perspective, was very sad.
Kristina was followed by fellow ex-Strictly stars James and Ola Jordan , who appeared from their home. Outspoken James said that "there isn't smoke without fire" and called the situation "very sad". He praised the BBC's handling of the situation and continued: "I wanted each of my celebrity partners to have best Strictly experience they could.
I honestly believe if you went and asked all of them they'd say they had a great time. .
