Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice claims only point of Amanda Abbington allegations ‘were to destroy me’

Giovanni Pernice thinks that the only point of allegations made by his Strictly dancing partner Amanda Abbington were to destroy him and his career.

The 34-year-old Italian professional dancer has been responding to complaints of verbal bullying and harassment made by the actress, who pulled out of the show last year.

The BBC upheld “some, but not all” of the allegations, with Abbington describing an apology from the corporation as a “vindication”, while Pernice denied displaying “abusive or threatening behaviour”.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, Pernice described his relief that the most serious allegations were thrown out.

“Yes, six has been upheld but 11 hasn’t been upheld, which is again, the most serious were not,” he said.

He added: “When it comes to that one upheld we got some allegation of verbal bullying, as we say, I adapt with the person that will go in front of me, and vice versa.

“If you’re in the room and we decide one sort of relationship within us two, I feel safe at that time, we were OK with it and was fine. Never been a difficulty of ‘Please don’t say this to me’. And the other allegation, that was me being frustrated, which I recognise.”

In a separate interview with the Mail+, he described how he “wanted to punch the television” when he heard Abbington in a Channel 4 interview claim the allegations against him were of a “sexual nature” – claims which were not upheld by the BBC.

He told the news site: “It was the first time there was talk of anything sexual. Of course, I was worried it could destroy my career – the people that come to my shows are kids and women.

“I was painted as a person I am not. It seemed like the only point was to destroy me.”

Appearing on Lorraine, hosted by Christine Lampard, Pernice was asked about his methods during rehearsals. He said: “I wouldn’t change my teaching style because, in my opinion, it’s a profession, dancing is a very difficult thing to do.

“It’s a difficult discipline, and for me, teaching, the way I teach, is the successful way to approach this. Yes, you could change the approach, but not changing the teaching style.”

Pernice, who was not announced as part of this year’s Strictly lineup, has since joined the Italian edition.

In 2021, he lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis – the first deaf contestant to win. He also reached the final in 2017 with Debbie McGee and in 2018 with Faye Tozer.

This year the show brought in changes, including the presence of chaperones during rehearsals, following a number of allegations.

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In July, Strictly professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima confirmed he was leaving Strictly amid reports of alleged misconduct. Separately Laura Whitmore alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’ during her time on the show.

Last week Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans said he was “heartbroken” over suggestions he made his professional dance partner Katya Jones “uncomfortable” during one episode.

A BBC spokesperson later told Sky News “their interactions were silly jokes”.