Amanda Abbington has said that Giovanni Pernice has “grossly mischaracterised” what happened between them on Strictly Come Dancing after the former pro said her bullying allegations left him with “suicidal thoughts” and heart damage. The Sherlock actor claimed that Pernice, who she competed alongside on the BBC competition back in 2023, had bullied and harassed her in training – resulting in his exit from the show. Following an investigation, the BBC said that it made no findings relating to physical aggression but upheld complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
In extracts from his new memoir that were published at the weekend, Pernice wrote that he felt as though his life was “finished” after she made the allegations and that he developed “inflammation of the heart” from stress and was driven “to the brink of suicide”. He also claimed that Abbington had set the tone of their working relationship on Strictly, with their banter involving bad language. Pernice claimed they would call one another “the ‘C’ word”.
Now, Abbington has responded to his new claims. In a statement given to The Sun, she said: “It’s sad, though not surprising, that Giovanni is continuing down this route. My focus is on moving forward.” The Independent has contacted Pernice for comment.
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Earlier this month, Abbington reached a settlement with the BBC over the Strictly allegations she made against Pernice, with a five-figure sum being paid by producer BBC Studios. In an extract from his forthcoming memoir, Pernice revealed that an MRI scan confirmed “that the walls of my heart had been damaged” from the stress of the investigation, and that he gained “12 kilos in just a few weeks”. I still heard nothing from my Strictly ‘family’,” he wrote, adding that Abbington’s claims had “ruined my life and my career and driven me to the brink of suicide”.
The Independent has contacted the BBC and Amanda Abbington for comment. The BBC is returning for its next series in September, with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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