Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice eyed for six-figure stint on rival ITV series ahead of BBC verdict

However, the 33-year-old became “so cross” with Abbington after she claimed there was an incident of a “sexual nature” during her interview with Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murphy.

A source close to Pernice’s team told the Daily Mail: “Gio is so cross. He just can’t work out why she would come out and say these things. She didn’t give any further detail, it’s like she drops a bomb and then doesn’t follow it through.

“The verdict is just days away now, it’s the home straight for him but he is absolutely determined to clear his name. He and his team are adamant that there is something concrete which will prove that Amanda is telling lies.

“He can’t wait for the truth to come out, it will be a huge relief for him. Giovanni is not going to let this go. It is basically war now. He will clear his name with all the evidence he has.”

Today, it was reported that Pernice’s team submitted an audio tape to the BBC which allegedly hears Abbington admit to being difficult before the pair said “love you” during the final weeks of their time on the show.

Now, it has been reported that ITV is said to be ready to swoop in and sign the dancer up for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! if he is cleared of the allegations.

ITV bosses know that Pernice is popular and think he would be a huge ratings winner, with a source telling the Daily Mail: “As long as those at the top are satisfied that Giovanni isn’t a bully and didn’t behave inappropriately during Strictly, they will be signing him up.

“They are very aware of how much Strictly viewers will miss him, he’s a true fans’ favourite, so they hope he will draw in big audiences. Just imagine him on I’m A Celeb, he would be a favourite to win and they know he would be very good value in the jungle.

“He would bring a huge fan base with him. He appeals to people of all ages which is a godsend for any broadcaster.”

Pernice could be paid within the region of £100,000, going up against Strictly which is on at the same time, and if all goes well the broadcaster will offer other shows and documentaries to brand him as “their own”.

Adding fuel to the fire, Laura Whitmore recently released a statement on the ongoing claims and felt there was a lot of “misinformation” within the press.

“I thought my experience was specific to me but I’ve since learned I was wrong. The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop. My evidence is to support other people’s experience.”