Giovanni Pernice admits 'frustration' as he speaks out on 'brilliant' Amanda Abbington scandal for first time

Giovanni Pernice has admitted to feelings of 'frustration' while working as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing as he spoke out on the Amanda Abbington scandal for the first time.

The 34-year-old spent several years as a professional dancer on the hit dance contest. However, earlier this year, an investigation was launched by the BBC following allegations made about the dancer by his former celebrity dance partner, actress Amanda Abbington.

Earlier this month, months after starting its investigation, the BBC released its findings and confirmed it had "upheld some, but not all" of Amanda's complaints and issued her an apology.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say 'oh no' as they fear for Chris McCausland amid 'another challenge'

In a written statement, a spokesperson for Giovanni said at the time: "We are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni. Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season."

Now, Giovanni has appeared on ITV's Lorraine in his first TV interview, discussing what happened between him and Amanda for the first time.

Speaking to stand-in host Christine Lampard, the 34-year-old described the Strictly scandal 'very concerning' and while he slammed any trolling his former dance partner, he refused to say whether he was 'sorry' about what had happened between the pair when probed by the TV host.

Asked why he wants to have his side of the story heard, Giovanni said: "I think it's the right time to do so because it's been a year of difficulty. It's been difficult to read everyday things that are not true and not be able to talk because both parties were asked to maintain the confidentiality of the process.

"I wanted to keep professional and finally, the results are out and I'm able to talk about what happened," before adding he wanted to 'set the record straight'.

Christine pointed out how the public are not privvy to the complete findings of the report but said that out of 17 complaints of the complaints made by Amanda against Giovanni, he was cleared of 11 and six were upheld.

"Where do you stand with the outcome of this report? You talk about moving forward and having your side heard so how do you feel now with the report without us knowing the full details of what those allegations were? It's difficult..." Christine said to which Giovanni responded: "The results are out there in terms of we both know the results. It's important because from my point of view, I'm relived that the most serious allegations were thrown out. Yes, six have been upheld but 11, the most serious, were not."

Addressing the verbal bullying complaints, Giovanni said: "I adapt to the person that i've got in front of me and vice versa... It was fine. There was never difficulty of, 'Please don't say this to me'. The allegation was me being frustrated which I recognise.... You've done Strictly, you know how hard it is to learn and you dance every week. Dancing is difficult, it's a new thing.

"So for myself, I get furstrated, the celebrity gets frustrated and trust me when I say, every single person on Strictly Come Dancing would get frustrated because you feel the pressure. You feel the pressure that you want to perform perfectly on a Saturday night so frustration is something that when you want to be good, it happens. And I do care about my job and when you have somebody in your hands like Amanda, who in my opinion, she was brillant. She was unbeliabale at dancing..."

He added: "My job is to try and take everything out of my partner and Amanda was one of those that, 'Wow'. It's in the public domain that I'm a strict teacher, I've said that myself. I'd been on the show for nine years which means you knwo exactly who Giovanni is and the way he teaches..."