Giovanni Pernice vows to clear his name and co-operate with BBC probe

•  Star dancer has launched fight back by hiring PR firm owned by Schillings
•  Insiders say it is a 'bold' move as three women instructed lawyers Carter Ruck
•  Former contestant Amanda Abbington claims Pernice stamped on her foot

Giovanni Pernice will 'fully co-operate' with the BBC after the corporation launched an investigation into his conduct on Strictly, as he vows he won't be 'cancelled.'

The star has launched a fight back by hiring a PR firm owned by legal firm Schillings - a London-based law company, widely regarded in show business circles as the attack dogs for celebrities in trouble.

They today confirmed they had been hired by the troubled Strictly dancer, in what television insiders describe as a 'bold move' after his former dancer Amanda Abbington and two other women instructed lawyers at Carter Ruck to complain to the BBC.

Schillings insisted Mr Pernice, 33, he will 'clear his name' and 'fully co-operate.

In a statement to The Mail, they said: 'Giovanni Penny has instructed Schillings international LLP.

Giovanni Pernice will 'fully co-operate' with the BBC after the corporation launched an investigation into his conduct on Strictly, which includes claims made against him by former contestant, actress Amanda Abbington

Ms Abbington claimed at the weekend that the Strictly dancer left her bruised after stamping on her foot, which today was dismissed by a source close to Mr Pernice as 'an occupational hazard dancing professionally or at a wedding'

'Schillings is engaging with BBC studios to provide it with Giovanni's evidence to strongly rebut claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni Is fully cooperating with that process.

'As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care.

'Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his rep against accusations against him.'

The move , some say, means 'war' after Ms Abbington claimed at the weekend Mr Pernice has left her bruised after stamping on her foot.

A source close to Giovanni said: 'Giovanni has instructed Schillings and is clear he will not be cancelled by spurious and unfounded allegations In the press.

'He has faith in the process and is fully participating, that is the right and proper forum for the all allegations to be made and reviewed.

'He is confident he will clear his name, the only substantive allegation is that he stepped on someone else's toes - an occupational hazard dancing professionally or at a wedding.

'Giovanni has made no secret that he is a hard taskmaster, that's what is required on Strictly.

'But he has and will deny any allegations of threatening or abusive behaviour. '

Last week The Mail revealed that Giovanni parted company with Strictly three weeks ago amid the BBC launching an investigation into his conduct after a group of his former dance partners instructed lawyers to make 'serious complaints' over his conduct

'He is confident he will clear his name': A source close to Giovanni Pernice said the star will fight the 'spurious' allegations against him regarding his conduct

Mr Pernice suddenly removed Strictly from his future work schedule shortly after he was given a contract by the show's bosses which he had intended to sign.

But now they have been forced to gather evidence after lawyers served three separate grievances to them by three separate women over Mr Pernice's behaviour.

One is Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington and the other two are so far not named.

Yesterday it emerged that three women had instructed legal firm Carter Ruck to act on their behalf to make complaints to the BBC.

Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh and presenter Laura Whitmore - also partners of Giovanni - have met with Amanda to discuss their own experiences.

On Monday, The Sun told how dancer Korina Travis, who performed with him at private functions, claimed that he treated her badly.

Ms Travis, who performs with ballroom company Burn The Floor alongside a number of former Strictly dancers, said: '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 didn't go any further with her allegations but certainly implied that Pernice's behaviour had gone beyond his 'no-nonsense, taskmaster' type attitude that the BBC have always defended him over.

Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh, who also partnered with Giovanni, met with Amanda to discuss her experience

Presenter Laura Whitmore is also said to have discussed her experience with Pernice  with Amanda Abbington

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