Alongside the on-screen glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing, there’s usually a fair bit of scandal and drama backstage. Now, the hit dancing show has become embroiled in a new controversy after it was reported that Amanda Abbington has requested rehearsal footage of her sessions with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.
The Sherlock actress bowed out of the show in October after just five weeks, citing “personal reasons” that left her “unable to continue”, a decision that sparked rumours of a feud with the Italian pro choreographer.
And speculation of a falling out has grown recently, with claims Amanda, 51, has been left with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) since taking part in the show, and has sought legal advice over Giovanni’s alleged behaviour.
An insider said the BBC had received a request for the footage they hold of Amanda and Giovanni, adding that rehearsals can become “tense” and Giovanni could be “incredibly full-on” as he is a “perfectionist”. A BBC source apparently described the allegations against the dancer, 33, as “excessive” and claimed Strictly bosses have never received a formal complaint against him.
A spokesperson for the BBC said, “Strictly Come Dancing has always taken [its] duty of care incredibly seriously, and there is a constant dialogue between senior members of the production team and the contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.”
In 2018, presenter Laura Whitmore – who is good pals with Gio’s ex, Georgia May Foote – opened up about her experience with the dancer two years prior. She said, “I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with and, in the end, I felt broken. I cried every day. I really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.” Neither Giovanni nor the BBC responded at the time.
Giovanni’s 2020 partner, Ranvir Singh, previously said, “Don’t be fooled by his angelic face! He is a fiery Italian, super-strict – I am a bit scared of him.” But in another interview, she said they “experienced something quite deep”, and said she “adores him”.
In 2019, Michelle Visage spoke about how her relationship with the pro dancer was “intense”, saying, “We just like to fight. We like to fight it out, but it’s all in love. Our relationship is very fiery. It’s weird, but it’s perfect.”
Giovanni also hit it off with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis when they danced their way to victory in 2021, and the pair remain close friends. Meanwhile, Debbie McGee – who was a finalist with him in 2017 – came out in support of her expartner last week, posting a snap of them together, writing, “Happy memories. Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly”, to which he replied, “Love you… thank you.”