Yahoo News Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice ‘clears his name’ as he denies ‘abusive behaviour’ towards Amanda Abbington
Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice has vowed to “clear his name” as he denied ‘abusive behaviour’ allegations towards his former dance partner Amanda Abbington during their training together.
The professional dancer is currently facing accusations about his controversial training techniques from former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, who made an early exit from the show.
Amanda later said she was “diagnosed with mild PTSD” and received death threats following her stint on the BBC dance competition.
Giovanni has now taken to social media and issued a statement, he wrote: "To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name. Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
"No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."
The star previously told The One Show that he was "definitely a perfectionist" but said he wanted to get "the best out of his partners", adding it was a "tough job to do".
Giovanni joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2015. He managed to make it to the final in his first year on the BBC hit competition with Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote.
He went on to win the iconic Glitterball trophy in 2021 with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the show's first ever deaf contestant.
The duo won over the hearts of the judges and viewers when they famously performed a "silent" dance to Zara Larsson's Symphony. The dance became one of the show's most iconic moments and won a Bafta as TV's Must-See Moment.
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