Giovanni Pernice’s mates have spoken out following the dancer’s account of his “annus horribilis” throughout the 2023 sequence of Strictly Come Dancing, throughout which his dance associate, Amanda Abbington, accused him of bullying. Pernice, who detailed his expertise in his new autobiography, Taking The Lead, has persistently denied the allegations. His mates declare that Pernice was urged by each his interior circle and even BBC workers to make a counter-complaint in opposition to Abbington, however his reluctance to be seen as a “complainer” prevented him from doing so.
Pernice’s Account and Abbington’s Response
Giovanni Pernice described his time on the 2023 sequence as a “nightmare,” stemming from accusations of bullying made by his movie star associate, Amanda Abbington. The state of affairs led to a six-month BBC investigation into his conduct. In his autobiography, Pernice asserts that he believed he had a optimistic working relationship with Abbington, characterised by pleasant, albeit “close to the knuckle,” banter. He additionally revealed that Abbington allegedly made an offensive Nazi salute throughout a rehearsal, which he selected to not escalate to the BBC on the time, contemplating it a part of their banter.
Abbington, 52, has refuted Pernice’s narrative, stating that he’s “grossly mischaracterising what occurred to swimsuit his personal narrative.” She emphasised her concentrate on transferring ahead and pointed to the BBC investigation’s findings in opposition to Pernice, which resulted in her receiving an apology and compensation from the broadcaster. “He took half within the BBC investigation that made findings in opposition to him, following which the channel paid me compensation,” Abbington acknowledged.
Pernice additionally introduced investigators with an audio recording of a dialog with Abbington, the place she reportedly described herself as a “nightmare” and steered she would “throw me out of the window” if she had been in his place.
Mates Allege ‘Outrageous Behaviour’ and Urge Counter-Grievance
Sources near Pernice declare that his mates repeatedly implored him to file a proper grievance in opposition to Abbington with the BBC. These mates allege that Abbington initiated aggressive language, together with using the “C-word,” and that Pernice’s refusal to retaliate prevented him from doubtlessly securing an identical payout and apology.
“She began with the C-word. We’d say to Gio that, if he had made a grievance to the BBC about her, then he would have gotten a payout and apology, too,” one pal revealed. “She had a potty mouth loads of the time and it wasn’t notably nice. We begged him to inform the BBC concerning the Nazi salute however he didn’t need to stoop to her stage.”
Based on these sources, even people inside the BBC allegedly inspired Pernice to lodge a grievance relating to Abbington’s “outrageous behaviour.” Nonetheless, Pernice remained steadfast in his need to easily show his innocence moderately than interact in a back-and-forth of accusations. His mates recommend that he could now remorse this method, noting that Abbington’s authorized crew reportedly despatched letters each time Pernice’s aspect of the story appeared within the media.
“Gio can now see that if he had completed the identical factor it may not have escalated because it did. It’s an enormous disgrace. All he’ll say is that he’s not a grass,” a pal commented, indicating Pernice’s reluctance to be perceived as an informant.
Pernice’s Guide and BBC’s Place
The discharge of Pernice’s e book, Taking The Lead, is seen by some as an act of “good old style revenge” in opposition to the BBC, whom he reportedly feels “hung him out to dry.” The timing of the e book’s publication, shortly earlier than the launch of the brand new Strictly Come Dancing season, is considered as notably inconvenient for the broadcaster, doubtlessly overshadowing promotional efforts.
Pernice’s “nightmare” reportedly started early within the 2023 sequence. He had initially been captivated with being paired with Abbington, whom he perceived as a gifted dancer wanting to win. Nonetheless, Abbington maintains she raised issues about Pernice’s conduct with producers on her third day of rehearsals and had subsequent discussions with programme bosses. She withdrew from the present in week six, citing well being causes, and later filed a proper grievance. Pernice was subsequently requested to step again from the next sequence pending an investigation.
Abbington accused Pernice of verbal bullying, harassment, and inappropriate sexual behaviour, all of which he denies. She additionally claimed he stamped on her foot, inflicting bruising. In an announcement in 2024, she stated: “I discovered Giovanni’s behaviour pointless, abusive, merciless and imply. I couldn’t sit again and let him try this to different folks.”
The BBC investigation upheld some complaints associated to verbal bullying and harassment however didn’t substantiate the extra severe allegations of bodily aggression. In response, the BBC has elevated welfare workers and launched chaperones in rehearsal rooms.
Aftermath and Transferring Ahead
Pernice described Abbington’s claims as “complicated,” noting her optimistic interactions with him in particular person and by way of textual content, contrasting along with her reported feedback to co-stars about their incapability to work collectively. He revealed in his e book that the fallout from Strictly led to a deep melancholy and suicidal ideas.
Mates recommend the e book has been therapeutic for Pernice, permitting him to “transfer on” after feeling he lacked a voice throughout the investigation. Additionally they specific a perception that the BBC did not adequately vet Abbington earlier than pairing her with Pernice. Pernice, who takes pleasure in his recognition and function as an envoy for the present, was reportedly devastated by the BBC’s resolution to exclude him from subsequent sequence.
Regardless of the continuing dispute, each Pernice and Abbington have moved on professionally and personally. Pernice joined the Italian model of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle, in 2024, profitable the competitors and starting a relationship together with his movie star associate. Abbington has secured a distinguished function within the second sequence of the Apple TV thriller Down Cemetery Street. Her fiancé, Jonathan Goodwin, additionally just lately settled authorized motion associated to a severe accident he sustained in 2021.
The lingering feud between Pernice and Abbington means that this chapter will not be totally closed, with the general public narrative persevering with to evolve.
