Karen Hauer has said she will ‘miss’ co-star Giovanni Pernice as she discussed his departure from Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday. The Venezuelan-born dancer, 42, who is the longest-serving pro of 13 years on the hit BBC show, said Giovanni, 33, stepping down from the show came as a ‘massive surprise’. The BBC launched an investigation into Giovanni after he was accused of ‘threatening and abusive behaviour’ while working with celebrity contestants on the show, including Amanda Abbington, 50, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore. Karen has now said the allegations against Giovanni are ‘really sad’ and she ‘hasn’t spoken’ to the professional dancer as he is currently busy on tour. She told The Mirror: ‘We will miss him. It was a massive surprise. Things can happen that we don’t know about. I don’t want to say anything that’s not right, and I don’t want to hurt anyone. But it’s not a nice feeling for anyone. ‘We are all so busy during the show doing our own thing. We are all in a bubble with our own celebs. I wouldn’t be able to comment (on the allegations). I haven’t spoken to him – he’s busy doing his thing on tour. I don’t know what happened. It is really sad.’
Elsewhere, Karen also revealed she is happy to get married for a fourth time as she opened up about her relationship with ex-rugby player boyfriend Simon Davidson. The BBC star, who has been divorced three times, has not ruled out tying the knot again as she admitted she is ‘smitten’ and that their relationship is going ‘brilliant’. She said: ‘Things are brilliant. I do enjoy a good wedding. My mum loves him. They cook together all the time. She can’t speak English and he can’t speak Spanish so it’s interesting but they get on so well. I am definitely smitten.’ Karen added as she’s got older and been through ‘so many marriages and divorces I’ve nothing left to fight about as I’ve fought about it already’. The professional dancer says she now understands what she needs from a partner – ‘support and understanding’ The beauty went onto say she would ‘never say never’ to getting married again but she is ‘taking it slow’ and getting to know Simon properly ‘before taking the next step’. Karen was married to dancer Matthew Hauer for nine years, then struck up a romance with fellow pro Kevin Clifton, who she had a three-year marriage with until the pair got a divorce in 2018. Her third marriage to fitness instructor Jordan Wyn-Jones lasted two years.
It comes after head judge Shirley Ballas defended professional dancer Giovanni earlier this month. Shirley said on ITV’s Lorraine: ‘I’ve known Giovanni for many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher. My only ever experience with him is he is an absolute gentlemen. He gives 100%. ‘Strictly and shows like that they are tough shows so you know when you sign up for that kind of thing. It’s quite difficult to do the show.’ Giovanni’s former celebrity partner Amanda claimed the show left her with PTSD and reportedly demanded footage of the pairs rehearsals together, hoping the video footage could ‘back up’ her claims. Three women, including actress Amanda, have also reportedly hired £700-an-hour lawyers at leading London law firm Carter Ruck. The dancer launched a fightback by hiring rival law firm Schillings. His case is being handled by Joelle Rich, 39, who represented Johnny Depp in his libel trial in 2020. A spokesman for Giovanni told the publication: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm Giovanni is fully cooperating. ‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.’ Giovanni also shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies. He said in a statement: ‘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. ‘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!
