The latest controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing has taken a new turn as actress Amanda Abbington has come forward with allegations against her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice. Abbington, who withdrew from the show last year, described Pernice’s behavior as “unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean” in an interview with the Sun on Sunday.
Abbington claimed that she feared backlash if she complained about Pernice’s behavior and alleged that the BBC had known about his actions for years. However, Pernice’s spokesperson denied the accusations, stating that he refutes the allegations of abusive or threatening behavior.
The BBC, while not commenting on the specific claims, reiterated its commitment to robust duty of care procedures. This latest development comes amidst a series of controversies surrounding former Strictly dancers, including Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
Abbington emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment in rehearsal rooms, stating that she felt a duty to speak out against what she perceived as unfair treatment. She also claimed that concerns about Pernice’s behavior had been raised to producers in the past without any action being taken.
The ongoing investigation into these allegations has led to Pernice’s decision not to return for this year’s series. The BBC has stated that it will assess and take necessary steps to establish the facts and ensure a fair process for all involved.
In light of these revelations, the BBC has announced additional measures to support the welfare of contestants, including the placement of chaperones in all future rehearsals and the introduction of two new dedicated welfare producers. The controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing continues to unfold, with more revelations expected in the coming days.
