Pernice memoir contradicts Abbington bullying claims in Strictly dispute

Giovanni Pernice has presented his account of the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing in a new memoir, directly contradicting former partner Amanda Abbington’s allegations of bullying and detailing a relationship he describes as built on mutual, often crude, banter. The professional dancer’s book comes just after Abbington received a financial settlement and a public apology from the BBC.

In excerpts from Gio: Taking the Lead, serialized in the Daily Mail, Pernice states that Abbington “quickly set the tone” for their communication, which included exchanging insults and making offensive gestures. He specifically alleges she performed a Nazi salute during rehearsals, an act he claims was part of their rough humor. Pernice asserts that a BBC producer once questioned Abbington about their use of such language, and she confirmed she was comfortable with it, saying she had started it. He portrays himself as supportive but confused by what he perceived as mixed messages, noting she would praise him privately while later telling another celebrity in a group chat she wanted to quit because he was “too much.”

Abbington, who left the show after five weeks in October 2023 citing medical...