The BBC ‘green lighted’ Giovanni Pernice to dance on the Italian version of Strictly the show’s host has claimed.

The professional, 34, is now starring on Ballando con le Stelle after leaving the UK version of the show amid a misconduct probe.

It comes after his former partner actress Amanda Abbington made a series of bullying claims about him behind the scenes of the show last year.

But now Italian Strictly’s host Milly Carlucci has suggested the BBC’s approval of Giovanni’s inclusion in Ballando con le Stelle ‘should tell us something’ about the allegations.

According to The Telegraph speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s launch show, Ms Carlucci said: ‘We were in very close contact with the BBC to understand the extent of these accusations. It should tell you something that nine months later they still haven’t given an answer.

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The BBC ‘green lighted’ Giovanni Pernice to dance on the Italian version of Strictly the show’s host has claimed

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Italian Strictly’s host Milly Carlucci (seen) has suggested the BBC’s approval of Giovanni’s inclusion in Ballando con le Stelle ‘should tell us something’ about the allegations against him

‘If there had been proof, as it were, the perpetrator of the Agatha Christie-style crime would have come out by now. It hasn’t come out.

‘We have been monitoring the matter with the BBC and they have given us a complete green light in having Giovanni with us and that should also tell us something because the BBC seems to me to be a very serious company.’

The publication went on to point out that they understand that all casting decisions for Ballando con le Stelle are a matter for the Italian programme, rather than the BBC.

The BBC has been contacted for comment.

Giovanni reportedly said he would ‘rather not talk about’ the ongoing probe when at the same press conference.

Giovanni will be on the show from this Saturday onwards with his partner, the actress and TV host Bianca Guaccero.

Giovanni shared a career update on Instagram on Monday after Strictly returned to the BBC following Amanda‘s claims he bullied her last year.

The professional dancer shared a video of himself walking the streets of Italy as he discussed his upcoming work.

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It comes after his former partner actress Amanda Abbington made a series of bullying claims about him behind the scenes of the show last year

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Giovanni will be on the show from this Saturday onwards with his partner, the actress and TV host Bianca Guaccero

Giovanni has been busy rehearsing in Rome for Ballando con le stelle, with his new partner, the stunning Italian singer and actress Bianca.

Discussing the show, he said: ‘Hello everyone, just a quick update with life from Rome. This week is the first week of the live show which is very exciting and Bianca is doing really really well.

‘I did read a lot of your message at the weekend and I am very grateful for all of you.’

Giovanni also confirmed he will be returning to the UK very soon and has a busy work schedule touring.

He continued: ‘I also got a lot of messages asking me, “Giovanni why have you left the UK”, I haven’t left the UK at all in actual fact I am back on Sunday for the dance class and back for it in October, November and December as well and then back on tour in January until July.

‘For now, I am very excited for Ballando con le stelle [Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing], the dance is going very well. Sending lots of love, I love you all’.

The outcome of the BBC’s inquiry is understood to have been delayed as lawyers for both parties disagree on the findings.

There is said to be internal frustration over how long it has taken, given the investigation was launched in April.

Some at the BBC are furious that it had to take place at all, taking the view it has been ‘a total waste of time and money’. Another senior BBC employee said of the row: ‘There are no winners here.’

BBC chiefs are also cross that Amanda, 52, hired lawyers to deal with the Corporation over what they saw as ‘HR procedure’.

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The outcome of the BBC’s inquiry is understood to have been delayed as lawyers for both parties disagree on the findings (Amanda is seen)

After complaining to the BBC when she learned Giovanni was to be signed up for the forthcoming UK series in April, Amanda, brought in legal firm Carter-Ruck.

They are representing her on a pro-bono basis.

Giovanni, who quit this year’s 20th anniversary series over the inquiry being launched, then instructed Schillings.

The law firm has previously represented the Duchess of Sussex, J. K. Rowling, Johnny Depp and Lance Armstrong.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal