Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has expressed gratitude towards his fans for their unwavering support and optimism for the future in a recent Instagram post celebrating his 34th birthday. This announcement comes amidst an ongoing investigation by the BBC following allegations made by former Strictly participant Amanda Abbington, with the results pending public disclosure.
Abbington was the first to raise concerns about Pernice’s conduct, citing “inappropriate” behaviour and a “toxic environment” during their time together on the show. Pernice, however, denies these allegations and has confirmed that he will not be part of the upcoming series of the popular BBC show. In his birthday post on Instagram, Pernice conveyed his appreciation for the well-wishes received and hinted at forthcoming exciting news to be shared with his supporters soon.
The controversy surrounding Pernice extends to his fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima, who has also opted to leave the show in the wake of the situation. Di Prima recently addressed allegations made against him by his 2023 dance partner, Zara McDermott, stating he was unaware of the origins of her claims and did not intend to harm her during their time together. The BBC has announced new welfare measures, including the introduction of a chaperone during rehearsals to enhance contestant protection.
With the launch trailer for the latest series of Strictly aired this week, showcasing professional dancer Amy Dowden’s return post-recovery from breast cancer, the show continues to capture the attention of its loyal audience amidst these developments. Janette Manrara, host of It Takes Two, emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive experience for new contestants amidst the ongoing abuse allegations, underscoring the show’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all involved.