Giovanni Pernice has raised concerns that he may quit Strictly Come Dancing due to a feud with Amanda Abbington over his training methods, despite receiving full support from the BBC. The 33-year-old professional dancer has named his upcoming 2025 tour Giovanni: The Last Dance, sparking speculation that he may be leaving the show. Fans are worried about his future on Strictly following these rumors, as it could potentially mark the end of his time on the popular BBC program.
The actress Amanda Abbington abruptly left the show last year mid-series citing ‘personal reasons,’ which were rumored to be related to a conflict with Giovanni. Allegations surfaced that she had demanded footage of their rehearsals, claiming that the experience left her with PTSD. Despite reports of Giovanni causing distress to a fourth celebrity partner, the BBC is fully supporting him and has offered him a new contract to return to the show later this year. While there have been accusations against Giovanni from various partners, the BBC insists that he is not a bully and will continue on Strictly.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Giovanni’s training style and interactions with his dance partners have raised concerns about his future on the show. Despite facing fresh allegations and rumors about his behavior, Giovanni has not received any official complaints, according to both the BBC and Team Giovanni. The dancer believes that the stories circulating in the media are part of a ‘nasty witch hunt’ that could potentially jeopardize his career not just on Strictly but also in the international ballroom dancing circuit.
The situation escalated further when reports emerged that Amanda had met with other former partners of Giovanni, including Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore, to discuss their experiences working with him. Sources close to Amanda claimed that tears were shed during this meeting, adding fuel to the ongoing controversy. Additionally, reports surfaced that Giovanni’s 2018 partner Faye Tozer struggled to work with him and broke down in tears after an appearance on a spin-off show. However, those involved with the show at the time stated that Faye’s tears were due to personal issues rather than her experience working with Giovanni.
Despite the negative press and rumors surrounding Giovanni, the lack of concrete evidence and formal complaints has left the BBC standing firmly behind him. There have been no official complaints made about Giovanni’s behavior, and the BBC believes that it would be unfair to judge him based on tabloid reports. The broadcaster is committed to supporting Giovanni and ensuring that he will continue to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing. As he prepares for his upcoming tour and a potential return to the show, Giovanni remains focused on his career and determined to overcome the challenges that have come his way.
