Giovanni Pernice says he's not surprised by the lack of support from some of his so-called friends during the Strictly scandal last year. The Sicilian, 34, was dropped from the BBC show after his dance partner in 2023, Amanda Abbington, 50, described his behaviour in the training room as "inappropriate", adding "it was mean, it was nasty, it was bullying".
After an internal investigation, the BBC apologised to the actress after upholding some of her complaints against Giovanni, but cleared the dancer of the most serious allegations. When the BBC's report was published, BBC News was told the review looked into 17 complaints and six were upheld.
Defending his training style on ITV's Lorraine in October, Giovanni said: "Bully is a big word and there's a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do.". Fresh from his win on the Italian version of Strictly, Bailando con le Stelle, Giovanni has opened up about the lack of support from 'some of the people in the industry' during the drama in which his career as a professional dancer looked decidedly uncertain.
Speaking to Heat magazine, he said: "My closest friends stood by me. But there were people in the industry who were scared to be associated with someone who wasn't having a very good time, but that happens in any line of work, so I don't blame anyone.".
Pointing out he had the support of his best pal Anton Du Beke and professional dancer, Lauren Oakley as well as celebrity partners, Michelle Visage and Debbie McGee, he continued: "I'm obviously still in touch with my best friend, Anton Du Beke. All the judges have been super supportive. I'm very close with Kai [Widdrington], Lauren [Oakley], most of the professionals. I'm pretty much in touch with all of them.".
