Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' stars Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington. Photo: BBC Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice is “relieved” that he has been cleared of claims that he was physically aggressive towards his former partner Amanda Abbington, as the BBC apologised to her, saying it had “upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made”. Sherlock actress Abbington, who pulled out of the BBC One show last year citing “personal reasons”, later claimed she was subjected to a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”.
A spokeswoman for Pernice welcomed the review, saying they 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 put to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing with the Stars in Italy this season,” she added. There were no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.
The review into Abbington’s complaints about Pernice was launched earlier this year. Pernice, who is not part of this year’s Strictly professional dancing line-up and has since joined an Italian dance show, Ballando con le Stelle , always rejected the allegations. The BBC said yesterday: “We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.
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