Strictly pros Graziano and Vito appear to take a swipe at Giovanni Pernice after Italian dancer is axed
GRAZIANO Di Prima and Vito Coppola appear to have taken a swipe at their former Strictly Come Dancing co-star Giovanni Pernice .
Giovanni, 33, has left Strictly Come Dancing amid an investigation by the BBC after at least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him.
While his professional co-stars on the show have failed to address Gio leaving or the damning allegations, his fellow Italian dancers Graziano, 30, and Vito, 31, took to Instagram to share an apparent dig at him.
They’re currently on tour with some of the other Strictly pros and shared a clip of them enjoying the sunshine in Blackpool.
Vito said: “It’s so sunny everyone, we are so happy because it brings us to our Italian weather.”
They added: “#TheItalians.”
It comes after Vito appeared to make his feelings on the situation clear as he unfollowed Gio on Instagram.
Soap star Ellie Leach, who won the show last year with Vito, has followed suit and also pressed the unfollow button.
The Sun previously revealed how Rose Ayling-Ellis, who lifted the Glitterball with Gio in 2021, is “distancing herself” from him.
A source said: “Rose is finding the whole situation really tough. She had a really great experience with Gio so is really shocked by it all.
“She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won’t be speaking about it publicly.”
Celebrities including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington have come forward to make allegations about Gio, claiming they were left “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
In a statement on social media, Gio addressed the claims and wrote: “To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“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,” he continued. “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. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He flees the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.