Yes you are both saying you think it likely texts were sent that could be termed workplace abuse under the current definition. There's no evidence whatsoever of that.

What I find amazing is the willingness to brush Laura being slandered under the carpet in order to protect Gio. I know my straight talking isn't always popular on here but that's who I am and I won't stand by and watch this lovely ladies reputation be damaged unfairly.

This is her career at stake.

As far as Gio's Strictly career is concerned if he'd come out in support of her he would have enhanced his reputation on the show.

Its the sheer number of sources that was striking the first time I read the DM story.

Its a leaky, leaky ship.

Sorry Ochre. Its not what I have said. I thought I had been clear.

I have absolutely no idea what she might have said or how she might have said it.

Both articles are damaging to Laura and Gio. I dislike the stories. They are best killed off as repetition makes this sort of story worse. Stories like this come about because show insiders leak tittle tattle, gossip, half-truths and innuendo and quite often what they leak and when they leak it is driven by a personal agenda. The tabloid press take a tiny kernel of truth and inflate it into something unrecognisable.

Really, where?

I wouldn't call a hasty argument by text abusive. For me, abuse means having spite in your heart and meaning to hurt or to diminish someone. Abuse has got an emotional content and also a power dynamic.

It's like here on DS, you can see the people who have strong opinions that they express forcibly, but you feel it by instinct when there's malice behind it. No names!! Neither Gio nor Laura seem to me malicious.

Disagreement (even with harsh words) is not in itself abusive; nor is it in itself bullying.

Well, your willingness to believe what you have been told directly is not true doesn't leave much hope for truth and reason surviving the tabloid realms of third and fourth party involvement.

I honestly disagree Sarah, I think she should throw everything out there.

These allegations won't stand up to any scrutiny.

Sadly, everything you have said is far too sensible for the modern workplace.

We are not talking about disagreements, everyone knows only when people get personal, then it can get ugly and sure end up being called as bullying. I don't think Laura would have ever said anything degrading to Giovanni.

Maybe you're too nice!

I'm not

I really think it's the final insider who is at fault here. They've read something that wasn't meant for them and they ran to the Daily Mail.

It may even be that it's a second-language thing?? Maybe Gio asked someone what a text meant. That's pure speculation but it's a way I can imagine another person could become involved

Not true. In our work place we have code of conduct, there is nothing to say we can't disagree, only that we respect each individual. All the work places are pretty savvy now. If people have disagreements they go and see their boss, where as if there is bullying straight to HR.

The only thing those articles have confirmed for me is that they, towards the end, didn't get on behind the scenes. Oh, I probably also believe the nugget about Laura being reluctant to film VTs. I don't know why I believe that but it rings true.

The rest.... well. I don't think I have anything else to add. Its a stale debate now.

I don't believe you, I need to see proof.

I hope you are right, Ochre I am only saying because there are some people who want to bury Laura, so more likely to say, "How do we know ....." ?

A stale debate to be shut down?

There's nothing stale about it for Laura who has to actually live with these allegations.

Uhh, believe me...

Just had a thought. It seems everyone this year is a Scorpio. I blame my star sign for everything

I know what you mean but I think it's the only way for her to fully disprove the allegations if there isn't a belated statement from Gio and the BBC

Its a stale debate on this thread from my point of view. Looking forward to some more positive news to appreciate.

The press articles were not great. There will be more and probably with a different target.

Same here, I am a Leo, fire sign. I was also thinking Series 14 must be lucky for all the 'Scorpions' I mean the star sign not the real things.

Yes I am a true fan but I am also a big Strictly fan and I hate to see the tabloids ruining this wonderful programme. I have watched Strictly from the beginning. I have always reckoned that on Saturday night it is pretty easy for couples to put on a bit of a show re their relationship but I have always reckoned that by watching the couples off the dance floor during ITT interviews is the best indicator of their relationships. Probably the final interview more than any other shows where the cracks in relationships are. Some pretend to be great friends and there have been many of those but it is easy to see through this off the dance floor. Some have frosty relationships. Some have platonic friendships and some couples have a bit of a spark. The latter are usually the couples that the tabloids are interested in.

EVERY YEAR THE TABLOIDS USE STRICTLY TO SELL NEWSPAPERS.

Unless anyone can provide REAL evidence and I don't count tabloids as evidence we should no longer in my opinion still be talking about this. I realise Laura was upset by it all but I think the BBC/Gio have got it right. No matter how upsetting it is I would say ignore the rubbish in the tabloids. It only allows them to write more rubbish.

'Unless anyone can provide REAL evidence and I don't count tabloids as evidence we should no longer in my opinion still be talking about this. I realise Laura was upset by it all but I think the BBC/Gio have got it right. No matter how upsetting it is I would say ignore the rubbish in the tabloids. It only allows them to write more rubbish.'

Good advice.

I think I will catch up with ITT and see how many times they mention Blackpool.

Sometimes you meet someone and you hit it off straight away - this was clearly not the case for Laura and Gio as there are too many insiders saying so. It may be that there were arguments, sharp words, and yes, possibly texts that were not appreciated by the recipient.

So, what we do know is that PUBLICLY Gio has posted positive things about his partner, he has not been derogatory at all. So, if he didn't appreciate texts sent to him, why should he lie and say all was fine? Far better to say nothing at all.

Frankly I think he's had a bum deal all round this year. First the Georgia fans come down on him because they think he called the romance off (even though nobody actually knows that because the man thinks his private life is just that and said nothing) and now the Laura fans are coming down on him because he hasn't jumped up to defend her honour. As LL said, he is under contract to the BBC and Strictly is a large part of ensuring his future income. Why should he risk that for someone he doesn't actually get on with that well?

I don't feel the need to dismiss anyone's views as 'stale'.

My hope is that this thread remains a place to be appreciative and supportive of Laura.

Because it would be the decent and honourable thing to do and actually would reflect well on him and the show.

I agree with you.

Tabloids printing anonymous, unsubstantiated 'allegations' doesn't carry any weight with me.

I expect there were differences of opinion, but I expect that on Strictly and IMO it is part of the test to deal with those - which they have done.

At the same time rewatch Laura and Gio's final interview. Pay particular attention to their body language while they are watching their journey. They sat very close, they exchanged looks and they were tactile. I saw NO frostiness. If you need a contrast rewatch Brendan and Anastacia.