Amanda Abbington hits back over Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly Come Dancing claims

Amanda Abbington has responded publicly to claims made by former Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice, who recently detailed in his memoir that he suffered from severe emotional distress and even considered suicide due to her alleged bullying during their time together on the show. The revelations came as part of a serialized publication of Pernice's book, Taking The Lead, which includes personal accounts of his experiences with Abbington. Abbington, 54, participated in the 2023 season of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with Pernice, who went on to win the competition. Her participation ended abruptly just weeks into the series, leading to widespread speculation and media coverage. Shortly afterward, Abbington alleged that she was experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and accused Pernice of bullying and harassment. These claims prompted an internal investigation by the BBC, which reviewed evidence including video footage and text messages exchanged between the pair. During the investigation, 16 allegations were examined. Pernice was found not guilty of physical abuse, but several complaints regarding verbal bullying and harassment were upheld. The BBC issued an apology to Abbington, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations and expressing gratitude for her willingness to come forward. In a statement, the broadcaster emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards for the show, which it describes as a "family affair." In his memoir, Pernice described his relationship with Abbington as initially positive, noting moments of tension but asserting that they never engaged in arguments. He recounted being deeply impressed by her dedication during rehearsals and even received a thank-you message from her after their first session. However, as the competition progressed and rehearsals grew more intense, Pernice claimed their dynamic deteriorated significantly. He alleged that Abbington’s behavior became increasingly hostile, resulting in her quitting the show midway through the season. He further accused her of displaying "unnecessary, cruel and abusive behavior." Pernice has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that his actions were always supportive and encouraging. In a recent interview, he expressed frustration over the negative attention he has faced, stating that it became "increasingly difficult" to navigate the criticism directed at him. He thanked his then-girlfriend, Molly Brown, for providing emotional support during what he described as a period of deep despair, saying she was instrumental in preventing him from taking his own life. Friends of Abbington have defended her position, emphasizing that she views Pernice as someone who has caused harm. One acquaintance stated that Abbington holds firm to her allegations and believes she is not alone in feeling victimized by his conduct. She has made it clear that her focus is on moving forward rather than engaging in further conflict with Pernice. The BBC’s investigation into the matter concluded with a formal statement affirming that some, but not all, of the allegations against Pernice were substantiated. The broadcaster reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical standards within the show and acknowledged the difficulty of addressing such serious concerns. It also extended its apologies to Abbington and praised her for her courage in speaking out. The situation continues to unfold, with ongoing discussions surrounding the impact of the allegations on both individuals and the broader context of workplace dynamics in entertainment. As the story develops, the public and media remain keenly interested in how these events will shape future interactions and policies within the industry.