Giovanni Pernice takes big step in Amanda Abbington BBC Strictly row as he 'blocks release' of training tapes
BBC Strictly: Giovanni Pernice is reported to be 'blocking' the release of training tapes
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Giovanni Pernice is reported to have "blocked" the release of video tapes documenting his time in rehearsals with Amanda Abbington.
Abbington is believed to have demanded the footage from BBC Strictly bosses earlier this year as she sought legal advice about her time on the show.
The actress walked away from the series early after being partnered with Pernice and claimed to have been diagnosed with PTSD due to his behaviour.
Pernice, who has always denied any claims of "bullying" or misconduct, is believed to have since quit the show as a whole - although the BBC is yet to confirm its line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series.
He's faced legal action from Abbington and a handful of other former partners due to his conduct when working with them and a first male opponent is said to have joined the case last week.
Now, as Abbington reportedly tries to beef up her case, she'll seemingly have to do so without the videotapes, according to an insider.
Abbington made claims about Pernice following her stint in last year's Strictly
BBCThey told the Sun on Sunday: "It raises the question, ‘What has he got to hide?’. It doesn’t look good."
The BBC declined to comment when contacted by GB News.
The use of cameras in the rehearsal room has become a hot topic of debate since the saga between Abbington and Pernice hit headlines.
Sources from both camps have claimed that their star was the one to ask for the cameras to be used.
The BBC is believed to have launched an investigation into Pernice's conduct since dating back to when he joined the show in 2015.
He's yet to address the latest claims in the scandal but it comes just days after a fourth "bullying" claim from a "male complainant" was lodged.
Pernice was also dealt another blow to one of his other work projects away from the Strictly ballroom.
With his future on the BBC show looking all but over, he's been enjoying his own solo tour across the country, has another in the pipeline and is taking part in dance workshops with company Ballando.
Pasquale La Rocca, a professional on Belgium's edition of Strictly Come Dancing, had been participating in the Ballando classes but issued a cryptic statement explaining why he was leaving the project behind.
Amid Pernice's saga, La Rocca penned on Instagram (via The Sun): "Over the last few days I have received a lot of DMs and messages from you in regards to my dance classes.
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Giovanni Pernice is reported to have quit Strictly amid the row
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"I thought I should clear the air and give you an update on what's happening from my side.
"Circumstances out of my control have brought my Ballando dance classes journey to an end. I don't wish to linger on this, but to move forward."
Pernice has received some displays of support from the current crew of Strictly, however, with Motsi Mabuse sharing a gesture backing the Italian dancer this week.
Pro dancer Kai Widdrington also showed his support for Pernice - his former flat mate - as he too joined Ballando to work alongside the Italian.