Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice says Amanda Abbington ‘did the right thing’ as he makes TV return after bullying probe
Giovanni Pernice has given his first TV interview since the BBC carried out an investigation after complaints made by his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington during the 2023 series of the show. The BBC has apologised to former contestant Amanda, saying it had assessed and “upheld some, but not all” of her complaints about the Italian dancer's behaviour during her time on the show.
After an investigation lasting six months following Amanda's claims, there were no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld. In total, the broadcaster upheld six of the 17 allegations made by the Sherlock actress.
Speaking to Christine Lampard on Tuesday morning's Lorraine, Giovanni wanted to share his side of the story after a 'challenging year'. Asked why he wanted to do the interview, the star said: "I think it's the right time to do so, it's been a year of difficulty. It's been difficult to read things in the newspaper that were simply not true and not being able to talk.
READ MORE:Amanda Abbington hits back at Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice’s ‘delusional’ claims after new interviews
"Finally the results are out, I am able to talk and set the record straight when it comes to my side of the story." Giovanni said he was "relieved" the most serious allegations were thrown out. Speaking on the six 'less serious' allegations, which were upheld, Giovanni says she recognises he was frustrated, saying "dancing is difficult."
"Trust me when I say every single person on Strictly Come Dancing will get frustrated," he said, speaking of the pressure on Saturday night. The singer also praised Amanda saying she was 'fantastic' at dancing.
Giovanni told Christine he was glad Amanda came forward, saying people should speak out if they have a problem. "I agree with the BBC, I'm glad Amanda came forward to talk about it - everyone should and I'm not against the investigation, she did the right thing. The most important thing is to accept what the result is and move on with our lives," he said.
The dancer also spoke out against the hate Amanda received online: "The trolling and the messages were disgusting. No one should do anything like this to their worst enemy. All the messages she received shouldn't have happened at all."
Asked what he would say if in a room with Amanda and if he would apologise, Giovanni said they would 'sit in a room with a cup of tea' and talk about what happened in the room, although he claims he and the Sherlock star never told him anything was wrong, and they 'never had an argument'.
Concluding, Giovanni said: "It's an interesting situation. I can tell you what I feel. I'm happy that the results were positive for me because the allegations shown at the beginning were very strong. We should all accept what the results say."
He also said "never say never" when he was asked if we could expect him to return to the BBC show.
After the findings were released, a spokeswoman for Giovanni welcomed the review, saying they are “pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni”. They added: “Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.”
Amanda also broke her silence with a powerful statement shortly after the ruling, saying she had been "vindicated" after having to put up with being called "mad", "unstable".
"As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do. In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being “mad and unstable," she began. The star went onto say that: "Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint."
She then revealed that the BBC had invited her to speak to senior management - something she "would be considering". Amanda then said the apology from the BBC meant 'a great deal to her'.
