Giovanni Pernice, one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most recognisable and beloved professional dancers, has admitted he feared his career was over following abuse allegations that engulfed him in controversy last year.
At the height of his success, Pernice was a fan favourite on the BBC’s flagship dance show. But his time on Strictly came to an abrupt and troubling halt in early 2024, after actress and former dance partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour. Abbington had quit the programme in 2023 before formally submitting a complaint to the BBC.
An internal investigation later cleared Pernice of ten out of 16 allegations. Despite this, the intense public scrutiny and pressure proved overwhelming, and he stepped away from the show ahead of its landmark 20th anniversary season in autumn/winter 2024.
Speaking candidly to The Mirror, Pernice revealed how close he came to believing everything he had worked for was lost.
“I’m not going to lie — there were dark moments where I thought, ‘This is finished. This is the end of my career,’” he said. “That was one of my lowest points. Sorry for my language, but 2024 can f**k off. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the back of it.”
He also addressed the ongoing media attention surrounding Abbington’s claims, admitting that maintaining composure took its toll.
“Every time she came out with another interview, I tried to stay calm inside,” he said. “Trust me, it wasn’t easy. There were dark times.”
Despite the turmoil, Pernice’s year was not without success. He returned to screens for the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special and appeared on Channel 4’s celebrity edition of the reality series Hunted. Internationally, he found triumph in Italy, winning the Italian version of Strictly alongside partner Bianca Guaccero — with the pair recently confirming their off-screen romance.
After a year marked by controversy, resilience, and redemption, Pernice appears determined to move forward, leaving one of the most challenging chapters of his life firmly behind him.
