EXCLUSIVE: Giovanni Pernice reportedly won't return to Strictly after nine years on the show - and previous contestant Peter Andre has given his thoughts on the situation

Although Giovanni denies all claims, it has now been reported that executives are struggling to convince female celebrities to take part in the upcoming series.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are said to be struggling to sign up female stars for this year's series amid the ongoing backlash over professional dancer Giovanni Pernice who's been accused of abusive behaviour by at least three of his former dance partners.

The professional dancer, 33, is locked in a legal battle with at least three of his former dance partners who have complained about his conduct. The Italian star denies any wrongdoing

Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones says men only ask for one thing on dating apps like Raya - and now she's thinking of freezing her eggs while she finds Mr Right

The Strictly star is said to have asked the BBC to record his sessions with Amanda Abbington after growing concerned about her "behaviour"

Strictly Come Dancing pro Nikita Kuzmin has said goodbye to his moustache, after admitting that 'nobody liked' his facial hair - although some fans have disagreed

The Italian dancer was paired with the Sherlock star last year and has since been thrown in the middle of some controversy

Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke made no mention of his joint achievement with co-star Giovanni Pernice, despite fans congratulating the duo

Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice reportedly asked BBC bosses to record all his training sessions with Amanda Abbington after becoming concerned about her behaviour

Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice reportedly asked BBC bosses to record all his training sessions with Amanda Abbington after becoming concerned about her behaviour

Giovanni Pernice has returned to social media with an update with model girlfriend Molly Brown, amid allegations of 'threatening and abusive' behaviour in the training room at Strictly Come Dancing - which the star strongly denies

Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice is said to have insisted all training and rehearsals with Amanda Abbington be recorded to 'protect himself' after being concerned about her 'unstable' behaviour'

Blue Peter icon Sarah Greene was offered a stint on Strictly Come Dancing, but she's refused to sign up.

Strictly's Giovanni Pernice 'sent former celebrity partner an offensive video ahead of live show,' BBC bosses are told - Goss.ie

The professional dancer is 'currently facing a BBC investigation'.

The team investigating allegations made against Giovanni Pernice were reportedly informed of a new claim regarding a video clip deemed "offensive".

Meghan has a long history of reality TV almost-appearances, previously nearly appearing on The Bachelor, Strictly Come Dancing, The Kardashians and The Real Housewives.