Giovanni Pernice reveals 'tears' as parents quizzed about him during Strictly scandal

Giovanni Pernice has shared how there were 'so many tears' shed by him and his family amid the Strictly Come Dancing scandal that saw him under investigation by the BBC.

Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington made allegations about Giovanni's tough training techniques and behaviour in the training room last year after they were paired during the 2023 series.

An investigation was later launched by the BBC and at the start of October, months after starting its prove, the BBC released its findings and confirmed it had "upheld some, but not all" of Amanda's complaints and issued her a public apology.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson issues 'sad' update days after show exit

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."

Meanwhile, Amanda said: "As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do. In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being “mad and unstable”. I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work. My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation.

“Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint. It’s not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.

"I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed. The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering."

She continued: "This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were 'not enough'.

“What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.”

Now, Giovanni has given his first interview since the results of the report and since leaving Strictly after he was not invited back for the 2024 series. The 34-year-oldi told the Daily Mail that he has often been reduced to tears in the past six months, and the whole saga reportedly left him 'depressed'. He feared it could have been the end of his dance career, which he has dedicated his life to since the age of 14.

He told the paper: "I rang my parents up crying. They are the closest people to me." He continued: "They were asked if their son was a bully. Everyone got upset, that made me upset. There were so many tears of frustration and sadness." Giovanni added that his parents were stunned how he was able to "respect the process" following the accusations.

Giovanni was also interviewed by Christine Lampard on ITV's Lorraine on Tuesday (October 22) where he spoke for the first time on live TV following the scandal. During their chat, he explained: "Strictly is a show that puts two people in a room. I didn't personally know Amanda and Amanda didn't know me. It's very concerning the fact that even if it's like that after three days, you've already complained."

In a tense exchange on the show, Christine asked what the disconnect was, to which he replied: "First of all, the investigation didn't find me a bully, and it's important to put things straight. Bullying is a big word. There's a difference between bullying and caring what you do. It's very different.

"Everything seemed great. All I had was, 'Giovanni, you're an amazing teacher', 'Giovanni, you're great', and then, as Amanda said, she left because of health conditions, and my last message to her was saying, 'Please let me know how the scan goes, and I want to help you.' The last message to her was I'd help her find a doctor to sort it out."