Angela Rippon Claims 'All Aware' of Tensions Between Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice
Veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon alleges that cast and crew on Strictly Come Dancing were aware of discord between Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice, suggesting it's not an isolated incident of professional dancers mistreating celebrity partners.
Angela Rippon has stated that the cast and crew of Strictly Come Dancing were aware of the tensions between her former co-stars Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice. Rippon, who competed in the 2023 series, said in an interview on Vanessa Feltz's YouTube show, 'At Home With Vanessa,' that "it's no point saying that we weren't because we all were." She added that Abbington was "very distressed by the whole thing."
Actress Amanda Abbington, 52, withdrew from the competition after being partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, 36. Abbington subsequently lodged complaints about Pernice's conduct during rehearsals, alleging bullying and harassment. A BBC investigation reportedly upheld six of her complaints, including those related to verbal bullying and harassment, though allegations of physical aggression were not substantiated.
Rippon, 81, also commented that there have been other instances where professional dancers have not treated their celebrity partners well. "But that's for them to sort out. That's for the production company to handle," she said.
Pernice has denied allegations of threatening or abusive behavior. His memoir, 'Gio: Taking the Lead,' published last month, details how the controversy drove him "to the brink of suicide" and caused him to suffer inflammation of the heart. Abbington, however, has accused him of "grossly mischaracterising" their experience.
Rippon contrasted her own experience, stating she was fortunate to have professional partner Kai Widdrington, 31, describing him as both a partner and a friend. "And that's the experience that I think 90% of the people who take part in the programme get," she noted.
Describing the show environment as a "cauldron of tension, of passion, of all sorts of things," Rippon acknowledged that such an intense atmosphere can lead to emotional fluctuations among participants. "Sometimes people are going to flare, sometimes they're going to have a breakdown, sometimes they're going to feel top of the world," she explained.
Rippon also expressed personal unease regarding the recent significant changes to the show's presentation team. Long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been succeeded by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, with five new professional dancers joining the lineup.
She mentioned that members of the public have shared their concerns with her about these changes, finding the simultaneous overhaul unsettling. Rippon stated her own view is that the new format "has got to be given a chance." She also questioned the decision to move Johannes Radebe from his professional dancer role, suggesting he could continue to participate in pre-recorded professional group numbers alongside his new presenting duties, as he is a "stunning dancer" and a "great mate."