Giovanni Pernice teases career change as he issues savage verdict on BBC Strictly bullying row: ‘2024 can f**k off’
Former BBC Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice has delivered a brutal reflection on the previous year.
The Italian 34-year-old was sacked from the popular dance programme last summer after allegations of bullying behaviour were made by Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, 50.
Pernice was accused by Abbington, who was his celeb partner on the 2023 edition of the show, of “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” behaviour during their rehearsals.
The BBC investigation into Abbington’s complaints concluded in September, clearing Pernice of the most serious accusations of physical aggression.
However, the broadcaster upheld some complaints of verbal bullying and harassment from the total 16 allegations made by the Sherlock actress.
Reflecting on the turbulent period, Pernice said: “Sorry for my language but 2024 can f**k off. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the back of it.”
As the scandal unfolded, Pernice worried in “dark moments” that his career may have been over.
“This is finished, this is the end of my career. That was one of my down moments,” he remembered thinking while speaking with The Mirror.
Despite the “dark times,” Pernice explained he was focused on being a “better man” and not lashing out at Abbington’s various media appearances.
“I know what I did – that kept me calm, because I knew the truth from the beginning,” he insisted.
The 34-year-old is content he knows his side of the story and is keen to “move on with life”.
Pernice’s comments come as he prepares for his final UK tour, The Last Dance.
“I can’t wait to reconnect with Mother Nature, which is my UK fan base, because they’ve been supportive all the way through and I’ve missed them,” Pernice said
However, the dancer admits he needs some time away from his long career of intense routines.
“I need a break, darling. I’m 35 years old. I’ve been doing this for 10 years,” he admitted looking ahead to 2025.
Far from retiring, Pernice revealed he is considering other avenues of showbiz.
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The Italian glowed acting is “something I’ve always wanted to do” but conceded he would need to attend English classes to learn the language “properly”.
Pernice also hinted at the idea of taking up signing but also may also need to take some lessons to improve there too.
Despite his troubles with the BBC, Pernice stormed his way to victory over the Italian adaption of Strictly Come Dancing – lifting the trophy with celeb partner Bianca Guaccero.