Dancer Giovanni Pernice experienced a tense exchange with hosts Craig Doyle and Christine Lampard on the British television program "This Morning" on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The interview, intended to promote Pernice's new book, "Taking The Lead," became a point of contention as he addressed the controversy surrounding his 2023 exit from "Strictly Come Dancing" following allegations made by his dance partner, Amanda Abbington.

Pernice expressed frustration when Doyle and Lampard focused on the "Strictly" scandal, with Doyle highlighting Abbington's perspective and the perceived harshness of professional dancers in the entertainment world. Pernice maintained that his memoir was not an attempt to revisit the scandal but rather a way to express gratitude to his supporters and share his factual point of view after the BBC investigation concluded. He stated that he adhered to the investigation's timeline and that the book is a part of his life's story.

"The point of the book is to say thank you to all the people who supported me along the way," Pernice stated, countering the suggestion that the book was solely about the scandal. "Second of all, instead of me going and giving every single interview possible, it was to write it down, what is actually factual and my point of view. I played by the rules, I waited until after the investigation finished. It's a part of my memoir, it's a part of my life."

Doyle pressed Pernice, suggesting that the scandal was the most serialized part of his memoir and the reason for his appearance on the show. Pernice reiterated that his aim was not to be on "This Morning" to discuss the allegations.

The BBC's investigation into the matter involved 16 allegations against Pernice, with six being upheld and ten of the more serious accusations being dismissed. Pernice clarified that he was not sacked from "Strictly" but that his contract was not renewed.

When asked about the breakdown of his relationship with Abbington and the allegations, Pernice explained that he matched the "tone set in the room" and felt ready to discuss the difficult period after the BBC investigation concluded and he had recovered mentally. However, Doyle countered that it was also a tough time for Abbington, suggesting she would not have proceeded with the process unless she felt there was substance to her claims. Doyle also mentioned a payout Abbington received and her differing perspective on the situation.

Pernice responded by emphasizing that he had stated facts, referencing what was upheld and what was not. When asked if he could now reflect on the upheld complaints and acknowledge any wrongdoing, Pernice stated, "I'm not here to justify myself, my life moved on, I'm happy now. I went to Italy, I won the same show in a different country. I did have my small revenges in life, and now I've got a new girlfriend who makes me very happy."

A statement from Abbington's spokesperson, read by Lampard, stated that Pernice's attempts to reframe the investigation were "ludicrous" and that the findings against him were not solely related to the use of swear words. The statement also noted that the BBC had apologized to Abbington and paid her substantial compensation.

Pernice, who won the Italian version of "Strictly" in 2024, was questioned by Lampard about whether he had changed his training approach with his new partner. He tersely replied that he had answered the same question previously and would provide the same response, reiterating that a commitment to success was paramount and that he demonstrated this by winning the Italian version of the show. He added that while approaches can change, it's not feasible if he perceives everything in the training room as perfect.

He concluded by stating he held no bad feelings towards Abbington and believed she also wanted to move forward. He emphasized that both parties were expected to keep the investigation confidential and that this was his first interview on the matter in two years.

Following the broadcast, viewers took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to criticize the interviewers' technique, with some describing it as an "interrogation" and suggesting that the hosts appeared to have taken sides.