In Strictly Come Dancing news, Tess Daly is reportedly “worried” amid the speculation surrounding Giovanni Pernice and the show.
Recently, accusations against professional dancer Giovanni have surfaced, with former dance partners reportedly preparing to come forward to lift the lid on his alleged misconduct.
This is said to have left Tess, who hosts the show alongside Claudia Winkleman, with worries about the programme.
Strictly Come Dancing news
According to Closer, Tess doesn’t “want it to look like she’s sitting on the fence, because she’s not”. The insider added: “Tess is really feeling the pressure right now. Strictly is like a family and Tess sees herself as the matriarch – but she’s had to tread extremely carefully since the claims against Giovanni surfaced, rather than jumping to any conclusions or anyone’s defence.
“She’s worried for everyone involved – she’s been trying to rally people and advise them in the best way she can. She knows there are some cast members supporting Giovanni and some that are not, and she doesn’t want it to look like she’s sitting on the fence, because she’s not.”
ED! has contacted reps for Tess for comment.
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Meanwhile, in May, reports claimed that Tess – who has hosted the series since its inception 20 years ago – allegedly felt “really upset” about the controversy.
A source claimed OK!: “She always really liked and got on with Giovanni, but she also knows these women must’ve gone through a lot to make these complaints.”
She feels it’s probably for the best that he is leaving.
They continued: “She feels it’s probably for the best that he is leaving – but she knows he has a lot of fans – and she’s worried about the impact it will all have on the show long-term.”
ED! contacted reps for Tess for comment. The BBC refused to comment on the story.
Strictly star Giovanni ‘surprised’ over the allegations
Over the past few weeks, it’s been reported that Giovanni has quit Strictly. Shortly after the reports surfaced, the pro dancer hit with more shock claims. According to reports, the BBC is now scouring “years of footage” in wake of allegations regarding Giovanni’s conduct.
However, Giovanni has denied the claims.
He stated on his social media: “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. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.”
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Giovanni then added: “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 dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win — for me and my dance partners.”
Read more: Giovanni Pernice’s sister insists family will ‘support’ him following Strictly allegations
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