Exclusive: Giovanni Pernice Speaks for First Time on Amanda Abbington Strictly Scandal | Lorraine

In an exclusive interview, Giovanni Pernice speaks for the first time since the BBC report into his behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on Strictly Come Dancing. Does he regret his behaviour? What really happened in the training room? And what would he say to Amanda now? Giovanni shares his side of the story.
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Broadcast on 22/10/24
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[@kirstyyoung8940]

So glad Gio was able to have his say on the matter

[@ludovicadelpiano3714]

He's very diplomatic, although I think it was an unfair "trial" I'm so glad that Giovanni is doing Ballando in Italy, because he's a pleasure to watch him and his partner dance.

[@joannaswain7125]

Couldnt agree more!

[@mazybee9149]

His a professional, glad his treated the complaints with grace ❤ I hope he comes back. Amanda seems completely mad, hot headed and she should not signed up for a show if she is mentally unwell

[@RoxanneEvans81924]

Hopefully 🙏🏻 is a back to Strictly Giovanni so lovely

[@claraausten]

Christine, I felt, was more on the side of Abbigton in this interview. There is absolutely no reason, apart from publicity and monetary gain, that she had to go as far as she did by appearing on numerous TV interviews which she obviously enjoyed. If she had a gripe, and I can imagine Giovanni is a hard taskmaster, she could have handled it in a more private and diplomatic manner . To round up his previous partners is beyond the pale and nasty. Had it not been for her, poor Grazianno would probably not have lost his career. Unfortunately the herd mentality is ripe in society today.

[@suefletcher1186]

So glad Giovanni has had his say …got everything crossed that he will be back next year in Strictly ❤x

[@gambrydew2059]

He won't be going back there.

[@jujutrini8412]

It’s the BBC we’re talking about here. That’s not happening.

[@beckscald3855]

Never say never as he said but I don't think he'll be going back.

[@ThePrincessnady1]

They’ll never have him back.

[@Fortune-z1i]

The way she presented the introduction was totally inappropriate. It is not fir her to judge and probe. Her first question ‘why do you want to speak out’ in itself was quite confrontational. Of course he wants to speak out.

[@catherinewoolf504]

Christine is annoying and making it obvious she doesn’t believe him.

[@chantelbriody1418]

It is lovely to see him back on uk tv

[@ThePrincessnady1]

😂😂😂

[@Tinydancer-mh9mf]

Well done for keeping your dignity throughout. This was simply a clash of personalities. Think the whole thing has gone to far. Please let this be the end and leave a talented professional to do his job.

[@mecca1395]

BBC should have stepped in as soon as any problems arose between the two, its not Giovanni's job to appease his partner 24/7. Different personalities clash. Why should his career suffer because Amanda had a very different temperament.

[@LizzyLou-mw2fp]

CELEBS are known for fragile EGOS She was not used to being told, what To do by. The. Brilliant. GIO

[@GTJ65]

Good you’re back on our screens Gio 🕺this has been totally appalling how you’ve been treated and the the amount of wasted tax payers money 💰🙄

[@lamantungwamthanti997]

I stand with Giovanni in this case. Amanda's behavior is concerning from the psychological point of view. I had dealt with someone like her in my life. Someone who will not tell you that something is wrong but will go around complaining about you. If you're lucky someone will inform you but if you not, you will see people treat you with disgust and disdain. She's in constant need of people attention and validation. Example, when she realized that Giovanni was sort of exonerated she started talking about cancer scare so that people would continue to feel sorry for her. As long as there are people who still listen and feel sorry for her she will continue the charade.

[@LizzyLou-mw2fp]

Very well said it's how I feel about the. Whole thing but couldn't put it, in words, As well as you did. 💚🍀

[@andyt453]

Absolutely..!

[@catherinewoolf504]

We’re all on your side! Everyone recognises that she has some mental health problem that she won’t acknowledge. She didn’t really achieve the result she wanted

[@beata8118]

don't be silly, kate🙂

[@KateWalsh-zq8oz]

Well said Gio 👏👏👏👏.... Just wondering if Amanda had a plan prior to going in?? Shouting Amber Heard & Meghan Markle playing the victim mentality. Professional dancing is very hard repeative work which in turn leads to frustration.

[@ThePrincessnady1]

A plan to be hated by the grey haired, cross eyed, boomers who are obsessed with the male dancers?

[@kingcavs2]

I thought Christine was very hard faced and unempathetic. Was it necessary to read out Abingdon's lawyers?? I saw Abingdon interviewed many years ago and found her to be very unlikeable and tricky

[@Jacqui-r9f]

Two sides to every story... Excellent interviewing skills imo.

[@jujutrini8412]

Of course she had to read out the lawyers statement. There are broadcasting rules

[@susivarga7303]

She's not his mamma.

[@ThePrincessnady1]

She probably believes victims.

[@stephenguppy7882]

Despite ITV Daytime's attempt to do a complete hatchet job on poor Giovanni, it didn't work. Abbington threw a fit when she realised she'd have to work hard and do as she was told and she didn't like it. I have never liked her, look at old photos of her, she has always had a 'nasty look' in her eyes. And for her to try and round up his previous dancing partners to try and make some sort of case, well that didn't work either. Good job. Bless you Gio.x

[@sooticablue1664]

First thing I done was click on this to see if Lorraine was interviewing - I’d have clicked right back off again if she was because it’s insufferable. Can we just get Christine on this show and change the name please.

[@rietv.wingerden4590]

Gio you are a real gentleman ❤️🦎

[@andreacrewe3330]

Why didn’t she say something to him at the beginning? Why wait then go full on, it dosnt make sense, I’m sure being pushed would be difficult and uncomfortable if it’s out of your comfort zone, I couldn’t do it but waiting till you feel the way she says she did seems out of reasonable understanding

[@ThePrincessnady1]

Grow up.

[@glenngarner7610]

If Abbington was complaining after just three days then the ridiculous woman should have left the show instead of making up story's and creating trouble. Poor Gio, ,

[@becca7899]

She wouldn't make up stories that's just not who she is

[@patriciahigney3865]

B​@@becca7899ha ha...you are having a laugh.

[@davidcrook9293]

Well said she's crying wolf

[@collettegumbrell8854]

@@becca7899isn’t being “an actress” Making up stories?!🤔

[@JayneCourts-Robinson]

@@becca7899 You know her personally do you?

[@jenileach6915]

If I felt there was already issue's by day 3 then I'd of just left. Feel it's all been about publicity and making as much money out of the situation as possible and I'm hoping Giovanni returns to Strictly asap so that I can start watching it again.

[@ThePrincessnady1]

She signed a contract.

[@jujutrini8412]

They should reiterate exactly what allegations that the BBC held to be true. And those that they threw out.

[@margaretsalasidis7529]

The whole sorry drama has put me off Strictly. I don’t think the show is the same without Giovanni and the nature of his departure has left a bad taste.

[@susandoody1892]

Wow!! Christine Lampard didn't even try to disguise her bias. Her first question was asking why he wanted to reply to the allegations as if he didnt have the right to do that. I watched the hour long Amanda Abbington interview with Martin bashir & i felt extremely uncomfortable. It was like a child saying someone has said nasty words to me. She definitely has issues.

[@beckscald3855]

I genuinely think some of the actions may have been wrong but overall, Amanda may not have been in the right head space to take on Strictly. The professionals have worked in really intense environments and training. Some training may differ from others as training styles often differ. I think some of the training is tough love and may have been misunderstood by Amanda - they are passionate for what they do and I think it's similar to Gordon Ramsey. You may think he is bullying etc but he's actually just so passionate about food and what he does, he wants the best for others learning.

[@jujutrini8412]

I think you have hit the nail on the head. I can definitely see a Gordon Ramsay style attitude taking place here.

[@beckscald3855]

@@jujutrini8412 there's 100% a similar style there I think. I've also played tennis at a high level so I know about different coaching styles and my own coach was a bit strict which looking back could be seen as bullying. It wasn't, it was just tough love and that coach wanted to get the best out of my tennis ability.

[@jujutrini8412]

@@beckscald3855 I did dancing as a kid in the eighties. I think if the type of things my dance teachers used to say to me then was said to people now they would not accept it. They were brutal. I remember some kids used to cry about it but most of us just dealt with it.

[@beckscald3855]

@@jujutrini8412 totally agree with what you're saying. I think if you've been in an intense coaching environment you understand, if you haven't then it's different. I don't think this whole situation should have gone as far as it has - there needs to be an understanding and openess between coach and player/dancers etc. If not then these sorts if things can happen.

[@jujutrini8412]

@@beckscald3855 Correct. I am just somewhat incredulous that a grown person did not think it possible to speak to the person concerned at being offended or treated in a manner in which they felt like they did not deserve. When I was young I was shy and it is possible I might have accepted such treatment for a limited amount of time from a boss or something but in no way as a person past the age of twenty five would I have done so! We’re all different I guess. People need to speak TO EACH OTHER and not past each other.

[@patriciahigney3865]

Christine being totally impartial.....not!!

[@ThePrincessnady1]

She’s EXCELLENT.

[@peterhopkins142]

i find myself speculating about the reaction of her new partner to the possibility of his lady being getting really quite intimate with a very handsome younger man. Curse of Strictly?

[@yesyou8092]

Christine is not having his back at all in fact she is having a go at him, not nice

[@LizzyLou-mw2fp]

MY OPINION, ONLY WHEN I WAS AMANDA'S AGE. I WAS MENOPAUSAL IT WAS NOT A GREAT TIME AS. I FELT I WAS GOING MAD THEN WHEN IT WAS OVER I REALISED. I WAS A NOT NICE TO LIVE WITH 🌹💞❤. GIO, PLEASE. COME BACK 💕🌹💞❤

[@rebeccaly21]

I'm glad it is Christine and not Lorraine who would have backed him completely. At least she has been kind of impartial here

[@catherinelodge4580]

his arrogance is screaming out in this interview!

[@heatheryovanoff6361]

No she hasn't. Not even "kind of" impartial.

[@KateWalsh-zq8oz]

She wasn't impartial! Her face had a look of disgust basing it on Amanda's previous interview!

[@davidcrook9293]

Honestly 😂😂

[@sharongalvin6350]

Nobody really knows what happened I would not criticise or judge either of them. I just hope it doesn't stop other people coming forward if they feel they are being bullied. Reading some of the comments when this case has been discussed some of the the public judge the act based on the person they like best!!!

[@katherinebrown8939]

I think this was the perfect storm - his arrogance and ego bumping up against her insecurity and fragility (meaning that neither is perfect). This was his chance and I think he just made things worse. IMO.

[@pauladealmeida9791]

He's talking as if no complaints were upheld!

[@ThePrincessnady1]

Funny how most of his previous partners feel the same.

[@tinaconsta9470]

2 firey character's training and he is a professional dancer she wasn't. So they were going to clash. She was a good dancer and he knew that. He is a competitor to win.

[@BillyBronco73]

She was being trolled about her perceived transphobia before Strictly started.

[@S.richi3568]

It's his word against hers and why does a woman get automatically believed. Amanda's remarks about him didn't ring true and Giovanni had to push her hard to succeed that is what she didn't like....a horrible snowflake if you can't hack it don't ruin a man's life. P.S Giovanni ...never go near Amanda again...to give her an opportunity to accuse you of something else ! She's either an attention seeker or needs help.

[@CharlotteA19]

She was a drama queen didn’t like the training come back gio

[@chantelbriody1418]

I would love to see him back

[@ThePrincessnady1]

He’s a bully. Why would he go back??

[@rach1232]

Much prefer Christine than Lorraine.

[@Allison1958]

100%, I cant watch Lorraine

[@gill9331]

100 percent much better interviewer, Lorraine babbles on way too much.

[@eleanorcook2342]

Disappointed to see you still seem to be treating his as guilty when most of her complaints were never upheld why not ask how he felt about be lied about over and over on tv in papers all while he was staying silent as asked, and acknowledging that what she said was lie after lie

[@elisa7881]

I think Abbington needs therapy; she had problems before Strictly. I don't know how she made it to 50 being so fragile. Great publicity.

[@ThePrincessnady1]

Weird comment

[@davidcrook9293]

Giovanni take the lying woman best way to say about her to court she doing all the rounds on TV feel sorry for me if you were what she said what you did why hasn't she took this to court oh crying wolf that's why, by the way Christine gone right off you

[@airs1234]

Amanda lied.

[@ThePrincessnady1]

He won’t go out with you 😂

[@sallywright8065]

I’d rather watch Christine than Lorraine. It’s marginal but she’s not false as is Lorraine

[@bpure2560]

He came across as an arrogant narcissist. Should have stayed quiet and kept out of the spotlight but people like him can't help craving attention.

[@catherinewoolf504]

Do you know anybody with narcissistic personality disorder? Trust me it’s not him

[@bpure2560]

@@catherinewoolf504 I do and he is.

[@gailgreen6873]

❤

[@Gavin48]

It was all anti Italian discrimination

[@belters777]

Lol

[@tinaaugusta2868]

Giovanni with his disparaging smile and his constant sneering even before the investigation was concluded. clearly shows the type of person he is.

[@susivarga7303]

Amanda opening her mouth clearly shows the type of person she is.

[@ChrisDolan-tq2vg]

Well it was proved that he is a bully so that was a lie. Complaints were upheld. Saying he won't change his teaching style paints him as arrogant.

[@jasonsmart5957]

Watched it live this morning and in my opinion I don't think he came across all that well in this interview, I can see why he did it to provide his side of things which is only right, but I felt he didn't really take any ownership for the upheld complaints.

[@lllillibeth]

I think he seems very arrogant and I expect that he probably couldn't understand why any women wouldn't be attracted to him .. this is purely my opinion . I think people having banter is great , but clearly he's stepped over the line on some things that went on . At the end of the day he's the professional and I believe it would be interesting to see how other professional dancers that have worked with him say about his attitude while at work . He's clearly extremely passionate about his work , maybe he's just not the personality to teach non professional dancers . I hope both can move on from this 🙏🏼

[@angelabaker1992]

He teaches at all levels and people love him. . She has employed a big lawyer say no more.

[@Mel87y]

He’s a narcissist laughing

[@jomelia1975]

So after 9 years he reached 4 finals and his teaching style supported the 1st deaf contestant to win never mind holding the record for most tens ever awarded, with a total of 97 and topped the weekly Strictly leaderboard more times than any other pro in the history of the show yet you say not got personality to teach non professionals...think stats speak for themselves. Amanda has never once been hard pressed in an interview automatically she believed despite most of her allegations NOT upheld. Amanda throughout the investigation found difficulty keeping her mouth shut. She a dangerous woman just out to destroy him.

[@catherinewoolf504]

@@Mel87y Another armchair psychologist

[@DrNefario_5]

Is Loraine non existent, she’s never on the show not the worse thing tho 😅

[@HazelPell]

I thought he was really arrogant in this interview. He refused to accept any criticism of his teaching methods. At times he was very evasive and did not deny screaming at Amanda for 35 minutes.

[@susivarga7303]

Feminist, huh?

[@jack67102]

He is so smug!

[@chantelbriody1418]

He is not smug at all

[@London_Nomad]

As was she !

[@heartlocket91]

He is one of strictly must successful Professional dancers. He always gets his partners very far in the competition. He’s confident in his ability to teach. Amanda had no reason to be smug, but she was. But that’s okay. 🙄

[@stefan-ou1jf]

As he should be

[@Mel87y]

@@chantelbriody1418yes he is he’s laughing nasty bully

[@cathtoy6558]

oh dear. He doesn't see that he has done anything wrong. You did this interview.. and that hasn't worked in your favour

[@catherinewoolf504]

He hasn’t done anything wrong and the proportion of us believe him

[@Mel87y]

Narcissist laughing 🤮

[@jujutrini8412]

Where is he laughing?

[@pauladealmeida9791]

He's talking as if no complaints were upheld!