BBC Strictly pros issue awkward response as they face grilling on Giovanni Pernice axe: 'We are grateful!'
Dianne and Vito dodged the question about Giovanni Pernice
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing professionals Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola dodged a line of questioning on Tuesday about the ongoing BBC investigation into the "bullying" accusations towards Giovanni Pernice.
Over the last few months, Pernice has faced accusations from Amanda Abbington and three former partners that his "militant" training techniques left the star with PTSD and needing therapy.
It was recently revealed that the 33-year-old would not be returning to the BBC series this year after he was left off of the official Strictly professional line-up.
Returning to the show this year is Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Amy Dowden - who was missing from the show last year after battling breast cancer.
For the men, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, and Vito Coppola will also be back.
Buswell and Coppola were recently quizzed over the ongoing allegations surrounding Pernice and were asked: "Obviously, Strictly has been in the news recently because Giovanni is stepping down because of the allegations that he has denied.
BBC Strictly: Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice danced in the 2023 series of Strictly
BBC"I wonder how you both feel about that and how it might change your approach with the celebrities this year?"
Coppola replied to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: "We are just very excited to, every year start a new season and we are grateful that we are able to share another beautiful season all together.
"And we are looking forward because this season is going to be special Amy [Dowden] is back!" he added, avoiding any mention of Pernice, prompting Buswell to follow suit: "Yes! Amy is back and it's the 20th year of the show!
"There are so many positive things."
This Morning presenter Shephard continued to probe the dancers on whether they had partners in the past who "couldn't cope" with the intense training and left them to change their teaching techniques.
Buswell quipped: "Definitely I change my teaching style with every single celebrity that I am given because they are all so different. They have all got different qualities about them and it is about getting to know them and you really do understand how to teach them in the right way."
Coppola added: "We also learn about throughout celeb, our way of teaching is mirroring so I know who I have in front of me and we are able to adapt our way of teaching."
Writing on his Instagram account, he said: "To my fans and followers. Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media. As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.
"The latest accusations are simply false. I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
"I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you for your continued support - your messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni."
It has been reported that alongside Abbington, three other former partners of the dancer have enlisted the help of lawyers after claiming they left rehearsals "black and blue" - with one claiming they encountered "horrendous" things.
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Pernice has received backing from several friends and co-stars of the show including Debbie McGee, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas.
The Italian recently shared his "love" for Ballas after she teased the star over his pre-show ritual of claiming that no one had turned up to his shows -before showing the fully booked out arena.
McGee also shared her support after she posted an image of their time on Strictly and penned: "I am heartbroken for @giovannipernice.
"My experience on Strictly will always be happy and life-changing. Gio nurtured me through my grief and gave me confidence I could do things I thought was beyond me."