Giovanni Pernice's 'revenge plan' after Strictly nightmare with Amanda Abbington

Giovanni Pernice, the Italian-born professional dancer known for his role on Strictly Come Dancing, is preparing to publish a memoir titled Taking the Lead on August 27, 2026. The book is expected to detail his experiences during his time on the show, particularly his relationship with co-star Amanda Abbington, which ended abruptly amid allegations of bullying. According to insiders, the revelations could provoke a strong reaction from Abbington, who has been working to rebuild her career since the controversy. The dispute between Pernice and Abbington dates back to 2023, when Abbington left Strictly Come Dancing unexpectedly. In a recent interview with Channel 4, Abbington described feeling targeted by Pernice during their brief time together on the show. She claimed she sent messages to the programme’s producers within three days of beginning training, expressing concern over what she perceived as Pernice’s hostile behavior. “I’ve got texts to the producer on day three going, ‘This is awful, he hates me, I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’m trying my best, I promise you,” she stated. An investigation conducted by the BBC into Abbington’s claims concluded that Pernice was not physically abusive toward her. However, the findings confirmed that her allegations regarding verbal bullying and harassment were valid. Despite this, Pernice was allowed to continue participating in the show until he chose to step down. His decision to leave came shortly after the investigation results were announced. Pernice’s representatives have remained silent on the specific contents of his upcoming memoir but have expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the BBC’s review. A spokesperson for Pernice stated that he was “pleased” the inquiry found no evidence of threatening or abusive behavior. Meanwhile, Abbington has been focusing on reviving her acting career, recently securing roles in the Channel 4 drama Hunting Alice Bell and the upcoming season of Down Cemetery Road on Apple TV. Abbington’s personal life has also seen positive developments. Her fiancé, Jonathan Goodwin, a former stuntman and escapologist, resolved a legal dispute with the producers of America’s Got Talent earlier this year. Goodwin received an undisclosed multi-million-pound settlement following a severe accident in 2021 that left him paralyzed. This resolution has helped stabilize both his and Abbington’s lives as they move forward professionally. Sources close to Pernice suggest that his memoir will include detailed accounts of his interactions with Abbington, including what he describes as her actions toward him. One insider told the Mail that Pernice would not hold back in sharing his perspective. “He hates that she made the complaints, he will have his say about that and will explain what she did to him, too,” the source said. They added that the book would serve as a reminder of the allegations, potentially complicating Abbington’s efforts to reestablish herself in the entertainment industry. The controversy surrounding Pernice and Abbington has sparked discussions about the handling of workplace disputes in high-profile television productions. While the BBC’s findings exonerated Pernice of physical abuse, the acknowledgment of verbal bullying raises questions about how such issues are addressed in the media. Both parties have declined to provide further comments on the situation, leaving much of the narrative to be shaped by their respective public statements and future actions. As the publication date of Taking the Lead approaches, attention will focus on whether Pernice’s account aligns with previous reports or introduces new information. The release of the book is likely to generate renewed interest in the case, influencing public perception and possibly affecting the careers of both individuals involved.