The BBC has confirmed that Giovanni Pernice will not be part of the professional lineup for this year's Strictly Come Dancing, following a scandal involving allegations of threatening and abusive behaviour. The decision ends a turbulent period for the show, which has faced its biggest crisis in its 20-year history.
Pernice, 33, had been at the centre of complaints from former dance partners, including actor Amanda Abbington, who withdrew from the 2023 series after five weeks. Abbington later requested BBC footage of training sessions, citing mild PTSD. Law firm Carter-Ruck, representing Abbington and others, said there were “numerous serious complaints” about Pernice's behaviour. He has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
Other former partners, including Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh, have also spoken out about their experiences. Whitmore said she felt “broken” and cried every day during the 2016 series, while Singh described Pernice as “a fiery Italian, super-strict” and said she was “a bit scared of him.” A male celebrity, thought to be 2022 partner Richie Anderson, also shared concerns with Carter-Ruck.
Not all partners have complained; Debbie McGee tweeted her support, and Georgia May Foote had a romantic relationship with Pernice. However, the backlash has been significant, with reports that producers struggled to sign female talent for the upcoming series due to fears of being paired with Pernice. Fellow professionals were said to be “deeply worried” about the lack of psychological assessments for celebrities.
An internal memo last month omitted Pernice's name, prompting speculation. The BBC urged against speculation while an inquiry was ongoing, but the corporation has been criticised for its slow response. Training sessions are filmed, and questions have been raised over why action was not taken sooner. Pernice had been the show's premier male pro, winning the glitterball in 2021 with Rose Ayling-Ellis, and reaching four finals in nine years.
