SHOCK: Strictly’s Amanda Abbington responds to new Giovanni Pernice claims
She said it was "not surprising".
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington has responded to new claims made by Giovanni Pernice, the professional dancer she was paired with in the 2023 season, about their time on the show together.
A lengthy excerpt from Pernice’s new book Gio: Taking the Lead was published online over the weekend, in which he claimed that her behaviour was “confusing” at the time – saying that she was positive with him in texts and in person, but told others she couldn’t work with him – and that his exit from the show left him in a deep depression.
Representatives for the Sherlock actor did not respond to Digital Spy‘s request for comment over the weekend, but Abbington has spoken to The Sun.
“It’s sad, though not surprising, that Giovanni is continuing down this route”, she said.
“He took part in the BBC investigation that made findings against him, following which the channel paid me compensation.
“He is grossly mischaracterising what happened to suit his own narrative, but I have no interest in engaging with that. My focus is on moving forward.”
The Guardian reported earlier this month that Abbington received “a five-figure settlement” from the broadcaster.
A BBC News report about the investigation into Pernice said some complaints made against him were upheld, including some relating to verbal bullying and harassment, but the “most serious allegations”, including those of physical aggression, were not upheld.
Following the investigation, the BBC added more welfare staff to the show, and introduced chaperones in every rehearsal room.
Meanwhile, this year’s season of Strictly is set to begin next month, and it’s been revealed that one aspect of the show has gone back to how it was pre-COVID, with celebrities finding out their professional dance partners during the launch show.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on 19 September on BBC One and iPlayer.
