Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice speaks out for first time amid Amanda Abbington controversy
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Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence on the recent controversy surrounding his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington. Reports emerged earlier this week that Abbington was seeking legal advice following her time on the show, and Pernice has now issued his first public statement addressing the matter.
Last year, Abbington, best known for her role in Sherlock, was paired with Pernice for the popular dance competition. However, she withdrew from the show after just five weeks, citing “personal reasons.” It has now been revealed that Abbington was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sheds light on her sudden departure.
In December, Abbington failed to return for the Strictly Come Dancing finale, sparking speculation among fans about her abrupt exit. Nigel Harman, another contestant on the show who withdrew due to injuries, did make a comeback for the finale, further fueling rumors of a rift between Abbington and Pernice. Last week, The Sun reported that Abbington was seeking legal advice and had requested access to the footage from her rehearsals with Pernice.
According to sources close to Abbington, she has been left “broken and saddened” by her time on Strictly Come Dancing. They also described Pernice as being “incredibly full-on.” These comments suggest that there may have been some underlying tensions between the two during their partnership.
In response to the ongoing controversy, Pernice took to his Instagram Stories to express his gratitude for the support he has received. “I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent messages of support over the last week – I really truly appreciate it,” he wrote. This brief statement indicates that Pernice acknowledges the situation but does not delve into any specifics.
The BBC, the network that airs Strictly Come Dancing, has also issued a statement regarding the matter. They emphasized that they take the duty of care for their contestants “incredibly seriously” and that any concerns raised are addressed swiftly. A spokesperson for the BBC stated that they offer comprehensive support to all individuals participating in their shows, and Strictly Come Dancing is known for providing robust assistance throughout the production.
While Abbington and Pernice’s apparent feud has dominated the headlines, her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing was marred by controversy from the start. The BBC faced criticism for casting Abbington due to past comments she made against the trans community and drag performers. In August, Abbington addressed the backlash in an Instagram video, expressing her love for drag and expressing regret for her hurtful comments about trans people. She affirmed her support for the “legitimate trans community” and acknowledged the need for understanding and inclusivity.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Abbington’s legal proceedings and Pernice’s statement will impact their relationship and future involvement with Strictly Come Dancing. The show has a long history of providing support to its contestants, and it is crucial that any concerns raised are addressed appropriately. As fans eagerly await further updates, it is hoped that a resolution can be reached that satisfies all parties involved.
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“Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice controversy”
