The actor Amanda Abbington says she first complained to the BBC about her dance partner Giovanni Pernice within days of starting Strictly Come Dancing.
Months later, an ongoing investigation into complaints about his alleged teaching methods led to him being left out of the 2024 series line-up.
Now she is speaking out publicly, accusing him of “abusive, cruel and mean” behaviour.
Giovanni Pernice has consistently denied wrongdoing, and tonight a spokesperson told us that he refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, while the BBC says it takes duty of care extremely seriously.
But Amanda Abbington says she and her family are now being subjected to “brutal, relentless and unforgiving” abuse by Strictly fans.
She is about to appear in a new play, about the aftermath of abuse in a family, called “When it Happens to You” at the Park Theatre in London. I met her there at rehearsals.
——-
Follow us:
TikTok –
Instagram –
Twitter –
Facebook –
source
30 Comments
So where is C4's Giovanni interview???
I like Amanda, I was so disappointed when she dropped out. She was brilliant and I wanted her to win. I’m so sorry that all this had to happen and that people can be so abusive. Let’s spread a little bit of love. As for threats, people aught to be ashamed of themselves! Chin up Amanda, loved you in Mrs. Selfridge. Xxx
freemnasons putting on a play to distract the public, great actress playing a role
How does the words even come into your head when writing threats like that!! Must be very sad lonely people! 100% believe you Amanda! 🥰
Mad as a box of frogs
we love you in France
I loved your amazing performance in Mr Selfridge
veronique
Her response says it all. Sorry Amanda you had to go through this
This is abuse. What she is saying is exactly what abusive victims go through. I am one of them. I hear her
The BBC is a disgrace
We need to see the 50 hours
nobody deserves threats at them or their love ones…….but…..when i was taught how to ride at horse, my instructor was incredibility tough…….and because of her i'm able to ride horses that others can't…….so yeah……
If you can't dance you're probably going to need shouting at until you can. That said to feel strongly enough to send messages like that is abhorrent, criminal
The footage needs too come out end of!!
The BBC at it again. They let anyone work there. I can't believe people still pay this disgusting corporation money.
This lady misunderstood the guys ways.. it was harmless just his way..she doesn't understand people and get hold of crazy overblown ideas..there is something wrong with the way she interpreted the instructor. People have bigger issue than these invented worries..with all the suffering going on in the world what planet is she on? The crotch thing is stupid but she took it the wring way. Has she not got a tongue in her head..she cood have told him to stoo it or something..she is like anbackward schoolgirl complaining to a teacher cause.she.cant deal with something. Ok for a schoolgirl but not an adult with a cushy life. The giy sounds arrogant..but she shood have been able to deal with that
Bless her. Amanda is deeply hurt and broken. You can see it💔🙏🏾
Where can you read the full report?
👏👏
Well one thing ive learned from this thread is Come Dancing fans are bitchy, toxic and very weird!! 😅😅😅😅
All the people on here who supported her should read the report….she was not assaulted in any way at all, it never happened, and the “bullying” was basically nothing.
lol, "you're an actor you know what's hard work"😂😂😂
I don’t believe a word she’s saying Roxanne Pallet mark 2
She wanted money. It's the new industry no win no fee 😂
Having been bullied both in the workplace and at home by a narcissist parent . Bullying is never okay it’s worse than physical abuse because it’s harder to prove . Giovanni is a narsissist relived he didn’t get charged for physical accusations downplaying the abuse . Typical of his type . For bbc to let him come back tells me a lot about the bbc and how they put money before their victims . People should stand up and boycott them . I don’t watch strictly but was interested in Amanda’s story . She did right to bring her abuse experience out to the public however, thanks to the bbc it will happen again because they have given him a chance and that never bodes well for other victims and it will empower the Narsissist .
Can C4 please pin that Giovanni has been NOW been CLEARED of fault over everything except “being a little overly critical on occasion”
She’s been on a witch hunt and BBC apologised that her feelings were hurt. They have not reprimanded him nor has he apologised. Why should he ?
“He stepped on my toes” is a ridiculous “accusation” – people have broken bones on that show and not blamed the instructors.
This is appalling she should be ashamed. He has NOT done any interviews trying to defend himself because he knew he was not at fault all along.
The behaviour panel would have a great time with this phoney. But she isn’t news, she’s tabloid fodder and probably trying to make a bit of cash from selling her “struggle”
Dignity ? Nope
Just another middle-aged has been looking for publicity.
She’s a liar!!!!
Blimey, she’s not very glamorous looking is she? How was she able to get on a dancing show anyway? She must have stuck out like a total sore thumb
First world female problems.
Very unlikeable.