Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice claims the sole point of Amanda Abbington’s allegations ‘would destroy me’ | Ents & Art News

Giovanni Pernice thinks the whole point of his Strictly dance partner Amanda Abbington’s accusations was to destroy him and his career.

The 34-year-old Italian professional dancer has responded to complaints of verbal bullying and intimidation against the actress, who withdrew from the show last year.

The BBC upheld “some, but not all” of the allegations, with Abbington describing one allegation apologies from the company as one “justification”while Pernice denied appearing “offensive or threatening behavior”.

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

“Yes, six have been enforced, but 11 have not been enforced, and that includes the most serious cases,” he said.

He added: “When it comes to confirming that claim, we got an allegation of verbal bullying, as we say, I adapt to the person who stands in front of me, and vice versa.

“If you’re in the room and we decide some kind of relationship between the two of us, I feel safe in that moment, we were fine with it and it went well. It’s never been an issue of ‘Please don’t say this to me.’ And the other claim was that I was frustrated, which I recognize.”

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

He told the news site: “It was the first time anything sexual had been talked about. Of course I was afraid it could ruin my career – the people who come to my shows are children and women.

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

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

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

Pernice, who was not announced as part of this year’s Strictly line-up, he 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 changes, including the presence of accompanists 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 claimed ‘inappropriate behavior’ during her time on the show.

That’s what Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans said last week he was “heartbroken” due to suggestions, he made his professional dance partner Katya Jones “uncomfortable” during one episode.

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