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Privacy NoticeStrictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence after the findings of the investigation into Amanda Abbington’s complaints against him were released today. The BBC has apologised to Amanda, saying it had assessed and “upheld some, but not all” of her complaints about Giovanni’s behaviour during her time on the show. There were no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, the PA news agency understands. Amanda and Giovanni were partnered on the BBC dance show last year, but the Sherlock actress pulled out citing “personal reasons”, later claimed she was subject to a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”. The review into Amanda’s complaints about Giovanni was launched earlier this year. The 34 year old, who is not part of this year’s Strictly professional dancing line-up and has since joined the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, previously rejected “any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour”.
Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence after the findings of the investigation into Amanda Abbington’s complaints against him were released today
(Image: PA)
A spokeswoman for Giovanni welcomed the review, saying they are “pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni”. They added: “Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.” The BBC said on Monday: “We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. “We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do. “At the time, although the production team took steps to address the issues as they understood them, ultimately these were not enough. “This is why the measures we have taken to further strengthen our existing protocols are so important.”
(Image: Ray Burniston/BBC/PA Wire)
A written statement from Amanda said it “was not an easy thing to do” to come forward, and she has been “accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’” and that she and her children had been threatened. She said: “Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint. It’s not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing. “I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.” She added that she is “considering” meeting senior management, after this was offered to her. Amanda also said: “This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were ‘not enough’.
Amanda Abbington with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing
(Image: BBC)
Giovanni is now starring as a professional in the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing, called Ballando con le Stelle
(Image: Getty Images)
“What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.” The show returned on September 14 for its 20th anniversary with a new cast of celebrities and some changes, including the presence of chaperones “at all times” during rehearsals. The BBC statement also said it has taken “extensive steps to enhance our duty of care for everyone on the show”, which include regular welfare meetings, 15 training room observers in place for rehearsals, the offer of a pre-series psychological review, and workshops for talent and crew on appropriate behaviour. It added: “Building on previous protocols, there is a formal exit interview process for all involved as they leave the show, which will be logged and documented. “These new measures build on longstanding processes and procedures on the show. We will always look at whether there is more we should do.” The BBC also thanked “a number of individuals” who contributed to the probe, which the corporation said took “time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken”. Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore previously said she spoke to the Strictly review team, and said she was subjected to “inappropriate behaviour”. She was partnered with Giovanni in 2016, and they were the seventh couple to be eliminated that year. Giovanni won the competition with former EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the show’s first deaf contestant, in 2021.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnStrictly Come DancingGiovanni PerniceAmanda Abbington
