Giovanni Pernice, the celebrated Strictly Come Dancing professional, has opened up about the personal 

and professional fallout he faced in the wake of allegations made by his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington. 

Speaking candidly during the first night of his tour in High Wycombe on Monday, Pernice shared how the ordeal left him feeling isolated

and heartbroken, with many of his friends distancing themselves from him.

“The World Collapsed Around Me”

Reflecting on the events that turned his life upside down, the 34-year-old Italian dancer said, “I felt like the world collapsed. I didn’t have anybody around me.” 

Pernice revealed that friends he had counted on disappeared when he needed support the most. “All the people that were supposed to be my friend disappeared,” he said.

The accusations and their aftermath took a heavy toll on Pernice, leaving him feeling utterly alone. “Nobody wanted to see me. They were like, ‘Oh, you can’t be with him,’” he shared, his voice tinged with emotion.

Before the allegations surfaced, Pernice felt invincible. “I was untouchable, a superhero,” he said, recalling the height of his career. “But fate did have different plans for me.”

The Allegations and Their Impact

Amanda Abbington, Pernice’s former Strictly partner, accused him of bullying during their time on the show. While an internal BBC investigation examined 17 complaints against Pernice, six were upheld. However, none of the allegations involved physical aggression.

Pernice has consistently denied being a bully, describing himself instead as a “strict teacher” with a deep passion for his craft. “Bully is a big word,” he said. “There’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.”

Despite the turmoil, Pernice found solace in his resilience and his ability to stay focused on the future. “I always had a voice in my head saying, ‘Don’t worry, this will pass. One day, you’ll be back on top.’”

Finding Strength Through Inspiration

During his most challenging moments, Pernice turned to his musical idol, Freddie Mercury, for inspiration. “There was always one voice. My idol, Freddie, would say to me, ‘Giovanni, don’t worry. Whatever happens, remember the show has to go on.’” Pernice credits this mantra for helping him remain optimistic and navigate the difficult period.

Amanda Abbington’s Perspective

Meanwhile, Amanda Abbington has spoken about the backlash she faced after coming forward with her complaints. The Sherlock star described the abuse she and her family endured, including threats of rape and murder. “My family and children have been subjected to threats and intimidation,” she said, highlighting the personal cost of her decision to speak out.

Despite the harassment, Abbington has no regrets about coming forward. “I’ve never regretted it, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint,” she stated. Abbington also expressed gratitude for the support she received from others who had experienced similar issues.

BBC’s Response and Pernice’s Career Moving Forward

The BBC’s internal investigation resulted in an apology to Abbington, acknowledging her complaints and promising to address concerns about the work environment on Strictly.

As for Pernice, he remains focused on his passion for dance and performing. The ordeal may have shaken his world, but his determination to move forward is evident. “I’m glad 11 allegations were thrown out,” he said, reflecting on the investigation’s findings. “At the beginning, there were very serious allegations, but they were proven false. That’s what matters to me.”

A Lesson in Resilience

The fallout from the allegations against Giovanni Pernice and the subsequent investigation has been a challenging chapter in his life. Yet, his story is one of perseverance and determination to rebuild both his career and his personal relationships.

As Pernice continues his tour, he stands as a testament to the idea that even in the face of adversity, the show must go on. For fans of Strictly Come Dancing and Pernice alike, his journey serves as a reminder of the complexities behind the scenes of fame and the resilience required to rise above challenges.

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