The BBC has confirmed it is investigating allegations of misconduct against Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, following complaints about his conduct during the 2023 series with actress Amanda Abbington.
A BBC spokesperson said: "We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are currently investigating the matter. We cannot comment further at this time."
Background to the Allegations
Reports of a formal complaint first emerged in January 2024, when Amanda Abbington, Pernice's celebrity partner in the most recent series, was said to have raised concerns about his training methods and behaviour behind the scenes. Abbington withdrew from the competition in week five, citing medical reasons at the time.
Since then, additional reports have suggested that other individuals may have come forward with similar concerns about Pernice's conduct during his tenure on the show. The BBC has not confirmed the number of complainants or the specific nature of the allegations being investigated.
Pernice's Response
Pernice has publicly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement issued through his representatives earlier this year, he described the allegations as "deeply disappointing" and maintained that he is "passionate about his work and committed to helping his partners achieve their best."
He has not been suspended from the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, though the BBC has not clarified whether his participation in future series will be affected by the ongoing investigation.
Context and Precedent
Pernice joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 and won the series with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021. Their partnership was widely praised, including for a celebrated silent dance routine that won a BAFTA. There is no suggestion that Ayling-Ellis is connected to the current investigation.
The BBC has faced increased scrutiny over its duty of care procedures for reality and entertainment programming in recent years. Strictly Come Dancing introduced additional welfare measures in 2022, including the presence of a dedicated welfare producer on set, following broader industry concerns about the wellbeing of participants in televised competitions.
What Happens Next
The corporation has not indicated when the investigation is expected to conclude or what outcomes may follow. Industry observers note that the BBC's approach to such cases typically involves an internal review process, with findings not always made public.
