BBC bosses' five-word Giovanni Pernice endorsement to Italian Strictly producers

The professional dancer quit the UK version of the show following allegations made by Amanda Abbington

Giovanni Pernice has been described as 'not a danger to contestants' as he begins work on the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing. BBC bosses reportedly made the claim before he was hired by the show.

The Sicilian dancer quit British Strictly in May this year after a complaint to the BBC about his rehearsal room behaviour by celeb partner Amanda Abbington. He denies any wrongdoing.

While the investigation into Abbington’s claims remains ongoing, the BBC’s alleged clearance of the star is indication that they’re set to clear him. And he has now moved to Ballando con le Stelle as their newest professional dancer.

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Speaking to Daily Mail, one insider said: "Of course he wanted to take part on Ballando. He loves dancing but there was a question mark hanging over his head regarding his conduct.

“The BBC decided that was absolutely unfair and made the decision to intervene and give him a clean bill of health. There is no way they would have done that if they had any worries about his behaviour. It tells you all you need to know, really.”

Giovanni has been partnered with singer, actress and TV presenter Bianca Guacerro on the Italian show.

Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency

Child poverty is soaring in Birmingham and without urgent change, will only get worse. Having worked with charities and community groups, BirminghamLive is campaigning for the following changes to start to turn the tide:

1. End the two-child benefit cap
2. Provide free school meals to every child in poverty
3. Create a city “aid bank” for baby and child essentials
4. Protect children’s and youth services
5. Create permanent, multi year Household Support Fund and give more Discretionary Housing grants
6. Set up child health and wellbeing hubs in our most deprived neighbourhoods
7. Appoint a Birmingham child poverty tsar
8. Provide free public travel for young people

You can see why in more detail here.

Read our full report Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency here.

What you can do to help.