Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan claimed commented ‘there’s no smoke without fire’ as he discussed Giovanni Pernice’s exit from the BBC dance competition
A former Strictly Come Dancing professional has weighed in on the Giovanni Pernice row – claiming “there is no smoke without fire “.
James Jordan, who appeared on the BBC dance series from 2006 to 2013, appeared on This Morning earlier today to discuss the Italian dancer’s Strictly exit amid claims more than one of his former partners has raised a complaint against him.
Giovanni, who joined the star-studded reality TV show in 2015 and lifted the Glitterball trophy with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021, was noticeably absent from the recently announced professional line-up for the next year amidst swirling rumours about his future on the show.
His exit from the show comes it is reported he is under BBC investigation after receiving complaints from at least three of his past celebrity dance partners. Giovanni was last seen partnering with Amanda Abbington, who pulled out of the 2023 series for “personal reasons”. He has previously denied any accusations of “abusive or threatening behaviour” and expressed his intention to clear his name.
Discussing the drama on ITV show This Morning today, former Strictly star James claimed it was a “shame” that the fallout between Sherlock actress Amanda and Giovanni has resulted in his exit. Sitting alongside his wife Ola Jordan, James added: “The only thing I will say… is there’s no smoke without fire,” James said via videolink.
He went on to add: “I’ve always protected the professional dancers, we don’t know the ins and outs of it, and as Kristina said, unless we see the footage but I’m sure there’s legal reasons and the BBC I feel have dealt with it very well… now, whether or not Giovanni has decided not to come back or the BBC have asked him not to come back, I’d be curious to see what the answer to that is. I feel the BBC have dealt with it pretty well, but there’s no smoke without fire. I’d be devastated if one of my previous celebrity partners came forward, saying I was abusive or not treating them nice in training. But he’s had four, if it was just one… you’d say: ‘Okay, maybe a massive clash of characters!’”
Earlier this year reports surfaced that Amanda had requested to review footage from their training sessions. Following these events, it’s understood that the BBC has initiated an inquiry into Giovanni’s conduct after three of his ex-partners reportedly sought legal advice.
James and Ola Jordan shared their thoughts via video link on today’s This Morning ( Image: ITV)
The broadcaster is allegedly in the process of “evidence gathering”, amid suggestions that “at least one or two more celebrities” might have approached lawyers regarding the matter. The lineup for the upcoming series, set to grace our screens later this year, has been unveiled, promising the return of beloved pros.
The star-studded roster includes Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola, all ready to hit the dance floor once again.
Last month, Giovanni took to Instagram to address allegations about his teaching methods, stating: “To my dear fans, 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 continued, expressing his dedication to the craft: “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. 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.”
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Source: New York Post
