Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice discusses his potential return to the show following allegations of bullying made by his 2023 partner, Amanda Abbington. He denies the claims, expresses relief at the BBC investigation's findings, and reflects on the 'toxic environment' surrounding the controversy. Pernice highlights the positive aspects of his Italian dance competition win and his new relationship, while acknowledging the emotional toll of the allegations and the importance of true friends.
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has been speaking out about his potential comeback to the popular BBC dance show, after stepping back from the 2024 series. This comes following allegations made by his 2023 series partner, Amanda Abbington, who claimed she experienced a "toxic environment" and was subject to "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying" while working with him.
The Italian dancer, however, firmly dismissed any claims of abusive or menacing conduct, and expressed relief when a BBC investigation backed up only "some, but not all" of Abbington's complaints. The investigation found no evidence of physical aggressiveness, though some counts of verbal mistreatment and intimidation were validated. When quizzed by Heat if he would consider making a return to Strictly, the 34-year-old admitted, "I would love to go back on Strictly but I don't think they're going to have me on again." He went on to reflect: "It wasn't the most pleasant situation for me. I'm very happy that it's finished and everybody can move on with their lives." After the row, Giovanni headed back to Italy, where he triumphantly won Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian counterpart of Strictly. Following his victory, he began a romantic relationship with his dance partner on the show, Bianca Guaccero, reports the Express. Despite the furore surrounding his Strictly stint, Pernice maintained that embarking on the Italian challenge was a no-brainer, citing no second thoughts about seizing the opportunity. Giovanni confessed that he was concerned "on a personal level" about his appearance on the show, following an investigation during which some of his former friends "turned their backs on him". "It was nice to be able to have that communication with people, because once the results of the investigation came out, those people who had left me came back and I was like 'Hmm, this is not nice'," Giovanni shared with Heat. "You know who your real friends are when you're at your lowest - and that's what I missed throughout the whole period." Giovanni acknowledged feeling "down and lonely" during the investigation but found the strength to progress in his personal and professional life. Pernice is scheduled to star in The Last Dance stage show, performing at venues across the UK until May. The dancer mentioned that this will be his "last tour" before taking a well-deserved break.
STRICTLY COME DANCING GIOVANNI PERNICE AMANDA ABBINGTON BBC INVESTIGATION BULLIYING
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