Strictly's Stacey Dooley asked about Giovanni during on-air interview

Stacey Dooley was asked about the drama surrounding Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice in an on-air interview today (May 20).

In recent days, there have been reports that Giovanni won't be included in this year's series, that three former contestants have contacted lawyers about him, and that an internal BBC investigation has been launched. In response, Giovanni issued a statement denying "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour".

On today's (May 20) instalment of the BBC's Morning Live, host Jon Kay said that the reports "shine a spotlight on the intensity of the Strictly world".

Related: Kate Garraway says Giovanni Pernice will be "deeply missed" amid Strictly exit rumours

In response, Stacey – who competed in 2018 and was partnered with Kevin Clifton – said: "What I would say is, I don't have a friendship with Giovanni. I didn't even have a working relationship with Giovanni. And I haven't been involved with that show for years. So it would be probably irresponsible for me to comment on that.

"What I would say, more broadly, is I hope all of the women involved are okay.

"And I think, actually, it's separate from this, but in my personal experience, I think it's a slippery slope not to believe women when they come forward and say certain things. But I just hope they're okay."

"It's a difficult time for the programme," presenter Sally Nugent said, to which Stacey responded: "Me and Kev are so boring. We sit at home on the sofa with a cup of tea.

"He's pals with a lot of the pros, but I don't know enough about that incident to comment."

Related: Strictly's Amy Dowden shares emotional update one year after cancer diagnosis

In his statement, Giovanni said that he was "surprised" to hear that "allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods" and that he "look[s] forward to clearing my name".

Last year, Giovanni's partner Amanda Abbington quit the show midseason for "personal reasons", to which Giovanni said he was "so sad... but I am proud of what we achieved".

Morning Live airs weekdays on BBC One and streams on iPlayer. Strictly will return later this year.

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