Strictly’s Challenge to Recruit Women Post Pernice Allegations
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Strictly Come Dancing Faces Casting Challenges Amidst Negative Backlash Against Professional Dancer Giovanni Pernice
The revered TV show, Strictly Come Dancing, finds itself in a predicament as backlash against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice brings on challenges for recruiting new female celebrities for the upcoming 2024 season.
Giovanni Pernice Investigation
The complications from the backlash follow allegations about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour from some of his former partners on the dance show. The speculation has since caused considerable trepidation among potential female participants for the upcoming season. Pernice was accused of “abusive” and “threatening” behaviour towards his dance partners, casting a shadow over the popular show.
Former partners, including Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore, and Ranvir Singh, reportedly shared stories about their experiences with Pernice, prompting an investigation into Pernice’s conduct by the BBC. Amidst the ongoing investigation, there has been ardent response against Pernice from Strictly Come Dancing bosses.
Giovanni Pernice stepped up to defend himself against the allegations via an Instagram post, in which he denounced any suggestions of abusive or threatening behaviour and expressed an eager anticipation to clear his name. Pernice asserted that his intentions were centered around helping his partners be their best and that it always sprang from a place of love and competitiveness.
Impact on Strictly Come Dancing
The plight surrounding Pernice has caused the showrunners to encounter difficulties in securing commitments from female celebrities for the forthcoming 2024 show. While introducing new personalities to the show each year is part of the plan, a number of women have declined participation due to a range of reasons including the dreaded “Strictly Curse”, an intense filming schedule and now, fears following allegations against Giovanni Pernice.
Perceived as a jinx on the show, the Strictly curse refers to the phenomenon where celebrities who take part in the contest eventually fall in love with their dance partners. This certainly adds another layer to potential participant’s concerns, on top of Pernice’s investigation.
Former Participants Weigh In
In the wake of these allegations, several past participants have also opened up about their experiences on the show. Pernice’s past partner, Amanda Abbington, reportedly quit mid-season for personal reasons. Later, Disclosure of her diagnosis with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following her time on Strictly and the request to review behind-the-scenes footage of her rehearsals with Pernice paints a potentially alarming portrayal of her time on the show.
Laura Whitmore, who partnered with Pernice in 2016 and former Love Island host, opened up about feeling “broken” both mentally and physically by the end of her stint on the show. She said she cried every day and felt extremely uncomfortable with her dance partner.
Stacey Dooley, the BBC Breakfast presenter and former Strictly participant (though never partnered with Pernice), expressed hope that all women involved with the allegation are okay. She further commented that not believing women when they come forward can lead down a slippery slope.
Looking Ahead
Giovanni Pernice joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2015. Over years, he has been partnered up with several celebrities including Drag Race star Michelle Visage and Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021. However, his tenure on the show may be transforming following the allegations.
With the investigation into Giovanni Pernice casting a shadow over the show, Strictly bosses are striving to overcome challenges associated with booking female celebrities for the forthcoming season. As they grapple with these current predicaments, the future direction of Strictly Come Dancing will significantly depend on the handling of this controversy.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
“Strictly Come Dancing Giovanni Pernice allegations”
