Giovanni Pernice has fiercely hit back at reports suggesting former Strictly partner Amanda Abbington felt "bullied" and would even emerge from rehearsals with "bruises".
The Italian dancer, who has reportedly quit the show amid the saga, has faced months of reports of a feud with the Sherlock actress after she cut her time in the competition short last year.
The latest development has seen a source reportedly speak publicly about Abbington's time on the show, calling Pernice "abrasive" and claiming the actress had a "terrible" experience.
The source alleged to the Sun on Sunday: "Giovanni had a tough training method. Amanda would be bruised. Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio. She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive.
"She would be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried every avenue to try and make it work.
"There would be crisis talks every Friday after producers watched back the video footage of their rehearsals but it would always end up toxic again by the end of the following week.
Giovanni Pernice has hit back at fresh 'bullying' claims
PA/BBC
"Runners would check in on the training weekly and she would regularly be seen crying and feeling very sad and despondent. She desperately wanted it to work but invariably it would break down. An urgent medical condition eventually allowed her to quit."
Pernice decided to address the allegations head-on, taking to Instagram to release a statement.
"To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week," he began.
"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
"I have always striven to help them be the very best dancer they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners."
He signed off: "Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!"
Several famous faces showed their support for Pernice by liking the post, including Strictly makeup artist and Ant McPartlin's ex, Lisa Armstrong, and former Strictly star Jamie Laing.
His girlfriend, who'd previously branded the claims made over the past few months as "bizarre", also liked her beau's statement.
The fallout from his time on Strictly with Abbington has long led to speculation about his future in the dance competition.
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Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington have been in the news for months
GETTY
This week, a source appeared to confirm Pernice had quit the show for good, although the BBC's response to the claims neither confirmed nor denied it.
A memo sent to those involved in Strictly, however, has reportedly been seen and does not include Pernice among the names for this year's professional line-up.
GB News has contacted the BBC for comment on the allegations.
