Stacey Dooley kept tight-lipped about the controversy swirling around Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice during her appearance on BBC Breakfast. When host Jon Kay pressed her for her take on the recent reports, she firmly stated: "I don't have a friendship with Giovanni. I didn't even have a working relationship with Giovanni."
The Italian dancer, 34, has been making headlines with claims that he has "quit" the show and is under "investigation" by the BBC following allegations purportedly from two celebrities, including Amanda Abbington.
Jon probed Stacey, saying: "While you're here, before we get to the news, I have to talk to you about Strictly. Giovanni made a statement over the weekend saying he rejects any suggestion of any threatening or abusive behaviour, and you don't want to talk about that case and those allegations. But I guess it shines a spotlight on the intensity of that Strictly world."
To which Stacey responded: "Yeah, 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."
Stacey went on to add: "What I would say, more broadly, is I hope all of the women involved are ok. 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 ok."
Sally chimed in with her thoughts, remarking: "It's a difficult time for the programme." To which Stacey echoed the sentiment, jokingly adding: "Yeah, me and Kev [Clifton] are so boring. He's pals with a lot of the professionals but I don't know enough about that incident to comment."
Giovanni took to Instagram to address the controversy over the weekend, stating: "You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."
He further commented on his Strictly Come Dancing experience: "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."
Concluding his statement, Giovanni expressed his dedication, saying: "I have always strived 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."
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