Giovanni Pernice is set to release his autobiography, "Gio: Taking the Lead," in the coming weeks, which sources claim will significantly address his highly publicized fallout with actress Amanda Abbington during their time on "Strictly Come Dancing." The book is expected to offer Pernice's perspective on the allegations made by Abbington, which led to a BBC investigation and his departure from the show after nine years.
Abbington, who had signed on for "Strictly Come Dancing" three years prior with ambitions of reviving her career, found herself at the center of a media storm following her formal complaint about Pernice's alleged behavior. While the investigation cleared him of the most serious allegations, it did find evidence of name-calling and a hostile environment, leading to his exit from the program. Abbington herself left the show citing health issues.
Sources close to Pernice suggest he blames Abbington for the end of his "Strictly" career and that the book will not shy away from detailing his experiences and his view of the events. "He blames Amanda for putting an end to his Strictly career, and so do the viewers," one source told the Daily Mail. "Giovanni isn’t going out for violins, he isn’t like that. But the book will remind the public of the allegations, which surely won’t be helpful for Amanda when she’s reigniting her career."
Abbington is reportedly preparing for a career comeback with two new roles: a second lead in the Channel 4 drama "Hunting Alice Bell" and a part in the upcoming series of Apple TV's "Down Cemetery Road." The timing of Pernice's book release, with its promotional tour, is seen by some as potentially detrimental to her efforts.
"There is no way it won’t completely infuriate Amanda," a source said. "She never wanted Gio to have his say but now he will, across about 400 pages, and there is nothing she can do about it."
The dispute between Pernice and Abbington began early in the 2023 "Strictly" season. Abbington claimed she raised concerns about Pernice's behavior on her third day of rehearsals, eventually leaving the competition in week six. She accused him of verbal bullying, harassment, and inappropriate sexual behavior. Pernice denied the claims and provided investigators with an audio recording of a conversation with Abbington, which his team believes demonstrates his supportive behavior.
Following a six-month BBC investigation, six of Abbington's 17 complaints were upheld. While Pernice was cleared of physical aggression, the investigation confirmed a hostile environment and sexual innuendo. Pernice has since returned to Italy and won their version of "Strictly," "Ballando con le Stelle," with his partner Bianca Guaccero, with whom he is now in a relationship.
Despite Pernice's departure, he remains a popular figure among some "Strictly" viewers, with reports of many fans vowing not to watch the show or any programs featuring Abbington. Pernice's book is anticipated to capitalize on this public sympathy, potentially reigniting the controversy surrounding his exit from the BBC flagship program.