Giovanni Pernice has broken his social media silence after addressing the allegations against him last week.
The 33-year-old Strictly Come Dancing star has been at the centre of a media storm lately after his celebrity partner from last year's series, Amanda Abbington, made claims about his behind-the-scenes behaviour and "bullying" nature.
It was reported last week the Italian dancer has decided to leave the BBC show over the allegations, although Pernice himself and Strictly Come Dancing are yet to confirm this.
"Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start," a source allegedly told The Sun.
"He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
"He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age."
Pernice has appeared once again on girlfriend Molly Brown's Instagram and broke his silence on Friday by posting a comment, seemingly undeterred by the claims.
Brown shared a snap of the two seemingly on holiday enjoying a glass of wine, and Pernice left a comment consisting of a series of emojis, including a heart, a flame and heart-eyes.
It seems he is focusing his attention to other areas of his life away from the ongoing claims, which are said to have been backed up by other former dancer partners.
Abbington, 52, decided to leave Strictly last year early in the competition following rumours of a "feud" with Pernice.
Giovanni has broken his social media silence
BBC/Instagram
Recently, it's been claimed she labelled Pernice "abrasive," with the Sherlock star detailing a "terrible" experience on the show.
A source told the Sun on Sunday: "Giovanni had a tough training method. Amanda would be bruised. Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio. She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive.
"She would be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried every avenue to try and make it work.
"There would be crisis talks every Friday after producers watched back the video footage of their rehearsals but it would always end up toxic again by the end of the following week.
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Abbington has been making claims about her time on Strictly since leaving last year
BBC
"Runners would check in on the training weekly and she would regularly be seen crying and feeling very sad and despondent. She desperately wanted it to work but invariably it would break down. An urgent medical condition eventually allowed her to quit."
While both have remained publicly quiet on the situation, Pernice did release a statement on social media rejecting the claims.
He hasn't since said anything else but it seems he's focusing on other things, with another post from earlier this week by Brown showing the pair with a new puppy.