Strictly’s Tess Daly leaves boozy night out at 1am after partying with pals – amid Giovanni Pernice scandal
STRICTLY Come Dancing host Tess Daly looked to be having a ball as she partied until 1am with pals.
The TV star, 55, looked stunning in a strapless white dress as she left London celebrity hotspot The Chiltern Firehouse flanked by friends.
The glamorous blonde was all smiles as she linked arms on a balmy night in the capital.
Her laidback demeanour was at odds with the dark cloud engulfing Strictly at the moment in light of the Giovanni Pernice scandal.
The veteran Italian dancer, who stepped away from the show days ago, is facing a misconduct probe after allegations from former dance partners.
Amanda Abbington, 52, was diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder during her time on the programme.
The actress is said to have ‘gone nuclear’ when the BBC ‘backed’ Giovanni following her serious complaints.
However, we revealed last week that the Italian has decided not to continue on the programme.
In a further twist, at least one or two other dancers will add their names to the three claimants who are already taking action as part of a Beeb investigation.
The trio includes Laura Whitmore, 39 — Gio’s partner in 2016 — and Abbington.
A source said: “Numerous celebrities, all former partners of Gio’s, have been in contact with one another behind the scenes.
“Three women that we know of have come forward, and taken things a step further with legal action.
Despite the swirling controversy, Giovanni looked relaxed and carefree as he holidayed with his stunning girlfriend Molly Brown in Madeira last week.
The couple, who were staying in a hillside villa with stunning views, were seen openly kissing and cuddling in the street.
An onlooker said: “Gio seems to be having the time of his life with his beautiful girlfriend by his side.
“They haven’t been able to keep their hands off each other.
“At one point, Gio and Molly were drinking glasses of champers and having plenty of pictures taken to capture their romantic break.
“Strictly and the BBC probe seem to be the last things on his mind at the moment.”
They were also spotted cruising along the beautiful coastal roads in a Mini Cooper convertible.
When asked if he felt sad about leaving the BBC dance show or the investigation, Giovanni – in a white top, shorts and sunglasses – told The Sun on Sunday: “You won’t get any quotes from me, sorry.
“I’m on holiday right now.
“I’m not gonna give any comments.
“Enjoy your travel back. Ciao, mate.”
Previously the pair had a jaunt to Dubai, where they stayed in the £2,500-a-night Atlantis The Royal hotel.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He flees the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.