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Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice Faces Allegations: What Happened?

Is Giovanni Pernice’s career on Strictly Come Dancing over amid recent allegations?

Giovanni Pernice, a well-known professional dancer on the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” has found himself embroiled in a series of allegations concerning his behaviour towards his dance partners. This controversy has led to his exclusion from the upcoming season. Pernice denies all allegations and is determined to clear his name. Meanwhile, the BBC is taking steps to ensure the welfare of all participants in response to the claims.

“Strictly Come Dancing” has long been a staple of British television, bringing glamour, glitz, and high-octane dance performances to living rooms across the nation. However, the show has recently been overshadowed by allegations against one of its star dancers, Giovanni Pernice. Since joining the show in 2015, Pernice has been a favourite among viewers and celebrities alike, renowned for his passionate performances and competitive spirit. Yet, the recent accusations have cast a shadow over his career and the show’s reputation.

The allegations began surfacing in late 2023 when actress Amanda Abbington, who was paired with Pernice, claimed she experienced intense pressure and emotional distress during their training sessions. Further claims by other former dance partners soon followed, painting a troubling picture of Pernice’s teaching methods. These allegations have prompted the BBC to conduct an internal investigation and take precautionary measures to protect current and future participants.

The controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice has its roots in his recent partnerships on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Amanda Abbington, known for her role in “Sherlock,” was one of the first to publicly speak out about her difficult experience during the 2023 series. She described an environment of constant tension and high expectations that led to significant stress and, eventually, her withdrawal from the competition for personal reasons.

This initial revelation opened the floodgates for further allegations. Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore, both former dance partners of Pernice, also came forward with similar stories. They described Pernice’s teaching style as overly demanding and sometimes crossing the line into what they felt was unacceptable behaviour. While some former partners defended Pernice, stating that his methods were simply reflective of his passion for dance, the BBC could not ignore the mounting complaints.

In response to these serious accusations, the BBC has launched an investigation, employing former Metropolitan Police officers to conduct interviews and review evidence, including rehearsal footage and communications. The broadcaster has emphasised its commitment to ensuring the welfare of its stars, introducing measures such as having chaperones present during all training sessions to prevent any potential misconduct.

Pernice, for his part, has vehemently denied all allegations. In a statement, he expressed his shock at the claims and his intention to cooperate fully with the investigation to clear his name. He maintained that his competitive nature and high standards stem from a desire to see his partners succeed and excel in the competition.

Despite the controversy, Pernice remains active in the dance community. He is currently touring with fellow “Strictly” judge Anton Du Beke, showcasing his talent and dedication to the art of dance. Pernice’s fans and colleagues have shown him support, highlighting the complexity of the situation and the differing perspectives on his teaching style.

The BBC’s response to this situation is critical. The network has announced several changes to the show’s structure to safeguard participants better. These include enhanced support systems, regular reviews of welfare policies, and strict monitoring of training environments. Director-General Tim Davie has publicly apologised to those who have had negative experiences on the show and assured the public that the necessary steps are being taken to prevent such issues in the future.

As the new season of “Strictly Come Dancing” approaches, the absence of Giovanni Pernice will undoubtedly be felt. His presence has been a significant part of the show’s success over the years. However, the BBC’s actions demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all its stars, ensuring that the glamour of the dance floor is not overshadowed by behind-the-scenes issues.

The allegations against Giovanni Pernice have sparked a broader conversation about the pressures and challenges faced by participants in competitive reality shows. It raises important questions about where the line should be drawn between passionate instruction and unacceptable behaviour. As the investigation continues, the outcome will likely have lasting implications for “Strictly Come Dancing” and similar programmes.


“We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.”

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