Amanda Abbington has reportedly accused Giovanni Pernice of ‘stamping on her foot’ during his ‘militant’ training sessions on Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer vehemently denies any claims of threatening or abusive behavior and has stepped down from the show after eight years as the BBC investigates ‘serious workplace misconduct claims’ by three of his celebrity partners. Friends close to Amanda have spoken about how she found Giovanni ‘abrasive’ and would have ‘crisis talks’ with show bosses every week after being left in tears at his ‘tough’ training methods, which allegedly left her ‘bruised’. Amanda left the competition mid-way citing personal reasons after weeks of rumors about a feud with Giovanni. She was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and demanded to see footage from rehearsals.
Giovanni has profusely denied the allegations of abusive or threatening behavior and has expressed his disappointment at the claims, stating that he looks forward to clearing his name. Amanda is currently speaking with the BBC to discuss possible workplace misconduct allegations against Giovanni during their time working together. Sources have revealed that runners would frequently check up on their training sessions, which often left Amanda in tears. Giovanni has stepped down from Strictly after the BBC launched an internal investigation into the claims made against him. He was seen for the first time in Portugal with his girlfriend amid the controversy.
Laura Whitmore, Ranvir Singh, and other former partners of Giovanni have come forward with complaints about his training methods in the past. Laura Whitmore revealed that she ‘cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while training with Giovanni. The Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh also complained about Giovanni to producers during their time on the show. The BBC has previously stated that they would not be investigating Giovanni’s behavior with Amanda, but the claims have resurfaced as more celebrities have come forward with complaints.
Despite the allegations made against him, Giovanni has received support from some former partners, including Debbie McGee and Rose Ayling-Ellis. Debbie McGee shared a throwback picture of herself with Giovanni, recalling the good times they had on Strictly. Giovanni had a positive relationship with Rose Ayling-Ellis, whom he led to victory in 2021. They even won a TV BAFTA for their silent dance routine. However, the claims made by Amanda and others have sparked an internal investigation by the BBC, leading Giovanni to step down from the show.
Giovanni’s future on Strictly remains uncertain pending the completion of the internal investigation. Complaints against him by former celebrity partners have put his career on the show in jeopardy. The BBC is considering commissioning another travel series with Anton Du Beke following positive viewer feedback. Giovanni has been spotted in Portugal with his girlfriend after quitting the show. While he has denied any allegations of abusive behavior, suspicions regarding his training methods have caused controversies, resulting in him leaving Strictly after almost a decade.
The allegations against Giovanni have raised concerns about workplace misconduct and abusive behavior in the entertainment industry. Amanda and other former partners have voiced their dissatisfaction with his tough training methods, which have left them feeling uncomfortable and in tears. The BBC’s internal investigation is ongoing, and Giovanni’s departure from the show marks a significant event in the history of Strictly Come Dancing. The future of the show’s professional dancers remains uncertain as the fallout from the allegations continues to unfold.
