Friends of professional dancer Giovanni Pernice have alleged that his former "Strictly Come Dancing" partner Amanda Abbington exhibited "outrageous behaviour" during their time on the show, including using offensive language and making a Nazi salute, according to reports.
Pernice, who described his 2023 "Strictly" experience as an "annus horribilis," has maintained his innocence against Abbington's accusations of bullying. In his new autobiography, "Taking The Lead," Pernice details his side of their working relationship, stating he believed their interactions were friendly banter.
Abbington has responded to the book's serialization, asserting that Pernice is "grossly mischaracterising what happened to suit his own narrative." She reiterated that Pernice took part in a BBC investigation into his conduct, which resulted in findings against him and a compensation payment to her.
According to sources close to Pernice, they repeatedly implored him to file a counter-complaint against Abbington to the BBC, citing her alleged use of the C-word and a Nazi salute during rehearsals. These sources claim that even BBC staff encouraged Pernice to report Abbington's behavior, but he declined, not wanting to "stoop to her level."
Pernice reportedly provided investigators with a 28-minute audio recording of a conversation with Abbington, in which she acknowledged being a "nightmare." He also claimed that during rehearsals, Abbington made a Nazi salute, which he considered part of their banter and did not formally report.
Sources suggest that Pernice feels the BBC "hung him out to dry" and that his book is a form of "good old-fashioned revenge." They believe that if Pernice had made a formal complaint about Abbington's conduct, he might have received a payout and an apology as well.
Abbington initially raised concerns about Pernice's behavior with "Strictly" producers early in her third day of rehearsals, with further discussions following. She withdrew from the competition in week six, citing health and personal reasons. Pernice was subsequently asked to step down from the following series pending a review.
Following an investigation, some of Abbington's complaints, including those related to verbal bullying and harassment, were upheld. However, more serious allegations, such as physical aggression, were not substantiated. The BBC has since implemented additional welfare staff and chaperones in rehearsal rooms.
Pernice has since moved on to "Ballando con le Stelle," the Italian version of "Strictly," where he won the competition in 2024 and is now dating his dance partner. Abbington has secured a prominent role in the Apple TV+ thriller "Down Cemetery Road."