Giovanni Pernice, a former Strictly Come Dancing professional, has stated that he will return to the show following allegations about his behaviour while on the program. Amanda Abbington, Pernice’s former dance partner, claims that his actions while on Strictly were “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” in an interview with The Sun. Abbington, who is best known for her role in Sherlock, cited difficulties working with Pernice during the 2023 series of Strictly, from which she withdrew in October of that year.
Strictly has confirmed that Pernice will not return for the program’s upcoming series. Pernice has denied any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour through his spokesperson. He also refutes the accusations made against him.
During his live performance with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke on Sunday in Manchester, Pernice commented on the allegations, stating “Let’s see what this mad woman has got to say next.” Pernice has been a contestant on the BBC One celebrity dancing program since 2015 and won the show in 2021 with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Abbington claims that the BBC was aware of Pernice’s behaviour for years and further alleges a fear of backlash if she complained. The broadcaster stated that it offers its duty of care procedures to anyone associated with a complaint linked to the corporation, and “if a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.”
Although initially not acknowledging the storm surrounding Pernice and the show, the dancer eventually addressed it towards the middle of the live performance by saying “Oh, I will be back, don’t you worry.” In the bathroom at the show’s interval, audience members were reportedly discussing his comments and assumed they referred to Abbington’s accusations. Fans after the show were supportive of Pernice, with some saying they thought he would return to the show
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