Giovanni’s payback: How he’s getting ‘sweet revenge’ and why the BBC fears releasing ‘bullying’ report as Strictly launches under a cloud….

Giovanni's payback: How he's getting 'sweet revenge' and why the BBC fears releasing 'bullying' report as Strictly launches under a cloud....

As a longtime observer of reality television, I must say that this situation surrounding Strictly Come Dancing is quite intriguing and troubling at the same time. Having followed the show since its inception, it’s clear that the BBC has always taken great care to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all involved. However, the current predicament appears to have cast a shadow over the new series, which is undoubtedly unfortunate.


In my own words, I must confess there was a moment I doubted if such a day would come around again. With a fresh dance companion by my side, this week, I stepped back into the rehearsal studio, readying myself for another thrilling battle to claim the coveted glitterball trophy.

However, this year brings a significant shift: Giovanni’s training will be conducted in Rome. This is because he’s gearing up for an appearance on Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian adaptation of Dancing With The Stars, and some at the BBC have praised him to the show’s European producers.

This will mark Giovanni’s tenth season of Strictly, but it’s his first time participating outside of his adopted home in Britain. According to friends, Giovanni is “beyond joyful,” and there seems to be a sense that this is long-awaited compensation for the dancer, following Amanda Abbington’s allegations from last year’s series that he was harsh towards her during their training sessions.

A friend of his mentioned to me: ‘Perhaps it can be seen as a form of satisfying retribution. Although he was cherished by Strictly’s audience, he departed due to Amanda’s allegations – but, in his perspective, it is a victory for Italy instead.’

Giovanni's payback: How he's getting 'sweet revenge' and why the BBC fears releasing 'bullying' report as Strictly launches under a cloud....

In April, Amanda chose well-known lawyers known for their aggressive approach (Carter Ruck) to represent her and lodged a formal complaint, which prompted the BBC to initiate an investigation.

Giovanni quit – but not before hiring Schillings as his legal firm.

As Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th anniversary series kicks off on BBC1 tonight, the decision from the corporation’s investigation is yet to be announced. It’s been quite a challenging period for the celebrity, who hails from Sicily. However, according to his friends, he’s rediscovering joy – right on the dance floor.

As a devoted admirer, I am privileged to work alongside the captivating 43-year-old Italian singer and actress, Bianca Guaccero. She recently shared a photo of us in training on her Instagram, set to the melodious tune of “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. Accompanying the picture, she penned a caption that read: ‘The beginnin.’

A companion of Gio remarks that he’s enjoying himself tremendously. His contentment indicates that he’s finding a positive way to leave behind the unfortunate episode.

‘He is so excited that he can keep on dancing and what makes it all the more lovely is that it will be in his home country. [The past few months have been] absolutely horrendous for Gio. He has been stuck in limbo. This will be a lovely boost for him.’

According to people familiar with the matter, Giovanni, aged 34, is said to be ‘deeply optimistic’ about emerging victorious in the series – a move he considers as the ideal retort to the allegations made against him by ex-Sherlock co-star Amanda.

Gio’s overjoyed to be resuming his usual activities once more; it shows just how strong-willed he is. At any point, he might have given up, but he pressed forward. Now, he’s more determined than ever to come out on top.

‘He is determined he and Bianca will do their best and they are getting along great in training.’

Giovanni's payback: How he's getting 'sweet revenge' and why the BBC fears releasing 'bullying' report as Strictly launches under a cloud....
Giovanni's payback: How he's getting 'sweet revenge' and why the BBC fears releasing 'bullying' report as Strictly launches under a cloud....

According to Giovanni’s companions, it was not straightforward for him to step back into a practice studio again. Previously, such an action culminated in Amanda, aged 52, alleging that he was harsh, unkind, and abusive towards her – accusations he firmly refutes.

Additionally, she implicated him for causing injury to her foot, and during a conversation with Channel 4 News in July, Amanda likened Strictly to a battlefield and endured degrading sexual misconduct – allegations that Giovanni refutes as well.

None of its previous 21 series has begun under a cloud like this.

It appears that the BBC’s examination of Amanda’s allegations has not been completed yet. Insiders suggest that the reason for the delay includes concerns among BBC leaders that, regardless of the outcome, this investigation could create an unfavorable and potentially damaging situation for the organization.

If Giovanni is exonerated they worry it will appear as if they are not believing a woman.

If Amanda’s grievances are validated, Giovanni might consider suing the BBC, claiming they neglected their duty of care towards him. This is because psychological evaluations aren’t typically conducted for celebrity contestants on other reality shows, as is commonly practiced.

It was anticipated that the BBC would share the outcome of their investigation with the duo prior to the commencement of the upcoming series.

A more suitable time would have been when promotions for the new series started in the summer. Unfortunately, the Strictly team now confronts the least desirable scenario: that all discussions revolve around the investigation throughout this season.

Should the verdict be handed down (and this is expected within the series concluding a week prior to Christmas), it will undeniably be the main topic of discussion in the current broadcast.

‘It’s a nightmare for the BBC,’ said an insider who works there.

As a committed observer, I must admit that there’s a lot of speculation about the timing of the verdict, with some stating it will be on this day or that. However, the truth is, no one truly knows. There’s a strong possibility they might postpone the announcement until next year, which isn’t an ideal scenario for any party involved.

After airing her complaints, it seems Amanda has been reaching out to past competitors, asking if they are willing to speak up as well.

Giovanni's payback: How he's getting 'sweet revenge' and why the BBC fears releasing 'bullying' report as Strictly launches under a cloud....

In rehearsals for the 2019 series, table tennis player Will Bayley’s perfected jump was criticized as ‘poor’ by his professional partner, Janette Manrara. He claims he sustained a serious leg injury while attempting to improve it. The Paralympian asserted that he and his coach had expressed concerns about jumping from a table, but were still encouraged to do so. Meanwhile, Laura Whitmore, who was Giovanni’s partner in 2016, recently stated that issues she tried to discuss during their time on the show eight years ago are now being brought to light.

She said she had been ‘gaslit to make it seem normalised’.

It’s noteworthy that the show’s creators have faced challenges in attracting well-known female contestants this season, managing to get just six participants, none of whom are as famous as Annabel Croft or Angela Rippon, who participated last year.

Instead of Tasha Ghouri from ITV2’s Love Island, Pete Wicks formerly of The Only Way is Essex, and JB Gill, a former member of the pop group JLS, several notable figures have joined. This includes ex-England footballer Paul Merson, Nick Knowles known for hosting DIY SOS, and singer Toyah Willcox.

‘We don’t anticipate such high viewing figures this year,’ admitted one employee.

Similar to Strictly Come Dancing in Britain, the Italian equivalent is broadcast weekly, and starts live shows a week later. Unlike Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire where our version is filmed, it’s set in a grand 19th-century theater within the Foro Italico complex in Rome, creating a much more lavish atmosphere.

For Giovanni, things currently look as sunny as the Roman skies above his training studio.

Ever since I’m a devoted fan, Bianca has been more than just a household name in Italy – she’s an icon, adored by millions like me. After her split from film director Dario Acocella, it seems as if the enchanting Bianca is currently single. Yet, there’s a certain charm between her and Giovanni that leaves fans like myself eagerly awaiting any updates!

A friend of Giovanni’s said ‘he is thrilled with this partner and they are tipped to do well’.

It appears that Giovanni’s comeback was quite touch-and-go. Just last month, there were concerns that the Italian show might not secure his contract until the BBC investigation had concluded. It’s been reported that some individuals at the BBC advocated for Giovanni, stating he wasn’t a bully, but rather someone who is driven to win.

This fall, his work commitment in Italy will have him temporarily leaving his residence in West London. One pal remarks that the shift in environment could significantly benefit him. It seems as though he’s embarking on a fresh chapter while continuing to pursue his cherished passion.

‘If Amanda thought she was going to destroy him, she was wrong.’

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2024-09-14 04:10

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