Giovanni Pernice faces fresh claims as dancer accuses him of 'doing horrendous things' amid Strictly storm

Giovanni Pernice is facing fresh allegations after a former dance partner accused him of "doing horrendous things" to her.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star has already been accused of using “militant” training methods, prompting the BBC launch an internal investigation amidst allegations purportedly made by two other celebrities in addition to Amanda Abbington.

Now, professional dancer Korina Travis, 29, has claimed that Pernice did "horrendous" things to her after they performed together at private functions.

Replying to a comment under a recent Instagram post, Travis penned: "I’ve known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me.

"I will not speak about my experiences with him but I’m glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is. I’ll leave it at that."

The dancer has worked for Burn The Floor, a ballroom company that employs several former Strictly stars. It is also alleged that she was in the running to join the Strictly pros in 2016.

Pernice has vehemently denied allegations that he displayed “abusive or threatening behaviour” while working on Strictly.

The statement from the Italian professional dancer comes amid reports that the BBC is looking into complaints about his conduct on the show.

Carter-Ruck, a legal firm acting on behalf of the complainants, said the broadcaster is “evidence gathering” but the BBC has not confirmed any probe has begun.

Pernice said on social media: “I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour and I look forward to clearing my name.”

The Sun, which was the first to report suggestions that an investigation was under way, also claimed Pernice has quit the show.

A spokesperson for the BBC told the Standard regarding Pernice’s future on the series: “The Professional Dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course.”

Sicily-born Pernice, a previous winner of the Italian Championships dance competition, has been on the BBC One celebrity dancing show since 2015.

In 2021, he lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf contestant to win.

The Standard has contacted Giovanni Pernice’s rep for comment.