Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has made headlines once again, this time for his triumphant victory on the Italian dance show Ballando Con Le Stelle. This win comes just months after he left the UK amid an investigation into allegations regarding his behavior during his time on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, made by his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington.
Pernice, 34, partnered with Italian actress and singer Bianca Guaccero, 43, to clinch the title in the 19th season of Ballando Con Le Stelle, which is the Italian counterpart to the popular UK show. The duo’s chemistry on and off the dance floor has captivated audiences, and their recent confirmation of a romantic relationship has only added to the excitement surrounding their win.
Following their victory, Pernice took to social media to share his joy, posting a video alongside Guaccero with the caption “la coppia vince,” which translates to “the couple wins.” Guaccero also expressed her elation through various posts on Instagram, thanking their supporters and sharing her disbelief at their success. She wrote, “Grazie a voi, non ci posso credere,” meaning “thank you all so much, I can not believe it.”
Pernice’s win on Ballando Con Le Stelle comes in the wake of serious allegations that surfaced during his time on Strictly Come Dancing. Amanda Abbington, known for her role in Sherlock, was the first to speak out, alleging that she experienced a “toxic environment” while training with Pernice. Although he has denied these claims, the BBC conducted an investigation that upheld “some, but not all” of the complaints made against him. While no findings related to physical aggression were reported, the investigation did confirm instances of verbal bullying and harassment.
Abbington expressed a sense of vindication following the investigation’s findings, stating that she had “no regrets” about coming forward, despite facing severe backlash, including “hundreds” of death and rape threats. Her courage in speaking out has sparked discussions about the culture within competitive dance shows and the treatment of participants.
In a heartfelt message to his supporters in the UK, Pernice acknowledged their role in his success on Ballando Con Le Stelle. He emphasized the importance of social media engagement in the voting process, stating, “We can totally see which part of the votes are coming from the UK and you are being unbelievably amazing.” This connection to his UK fans highlights the ongoing support he has received, even as he navigates the complexities of his recent controversies.
As for his future in the world of dance, Pernice remains non-committal about returning to Strictly Come Dancing. In an interview with ITV’s Lorraine, he stated, “Who knows, never say never,” leaving the door open for a potential return to the UK show that launched his career to new heights.
The juxtaposition of Pernice’s recent success in Italy against the backdrop of serious allegations in the UK creates a compelling narrative. His journey reflects the complexities of fame, the challenges of personal conduct in the public eye, and the resilience required to navigate both triumph and adversity in the world of entertainment. As he continues to celebrate his victory with Guaccero, the dance community and fans alike will be watching closely to see what the future holds for Giovanni Pernice.
