Former Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon has spoken out about the behind-the-scenes tension between Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington during the 2023 series. She revealed that the cast and crew were aware of the friction between the dancing duo, following their public fallout.
Rippon recalls 'tension' between the pair
Speaking on the At Home with Vanessa podcast, Angela said: "I think we were all aware of the tension between the two of them, it's no point saying that we weren't because we all were." She added: "But it's not my place to really talk about it in public because Amanda was very distressed by the whole thing."
Angela, who was part of the same series, also said: "I think everybody within the crew was very distressed by the way it turned out with a very popular and very fine professional dancer and with Amanda herself, who is an absolutely lovely person. So, we were aware."
Amanda's accusations and BBC investigation
Amanda Abbington quit the show in week five and later accused Giovanni of "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean" behaviour, prompting a BBC investigation. Giovanni denied any threatening or abusive conduct and said he accepted the outcome of the review.
The BBC later said it upheld complaints relating to verbal bullying and harassment, while allegations of physical aggression were not upheld. Amanda has since agreed a five-figure settlement with BBC Studios and received an apology from the broadcaster.
Giovanni's response and Strictly changes
Giovanni has not returned to Strictly since the allegations emerged, although he has said he was not sacked and that his contract simply was not renewed. During a recent interview on This Morning, he said he had moved on from the situation and was focusing on his career, including an upcoming tour.
Angela, meanwhile, insisted she had a very different experience with her own professional partner, praising Kai Widdrington for his kindness and patience.
Following the drama, Strictly introduced additional welfare measures, including having a member of the production team present in rehearsal rooms to support the dancing duos. Kate Phillips, the BBC's director of unscripted, said in 2024: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act."
"Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 6.15pm on BBC One.
