Giovanni Pernice has addressed the “feud” with his former Strictly Come Dancing partner Amanda Abbington following reports of the actress “teaming up” with other disgruntled dance partners from the show.
The Sherlock star dropped out of the BBC competition on week five and later claimed she’d been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint in the series.
Professional dancer Pernice, 33, hasn’t said much publicly about the reported dispute between himself and Abbington.
It’s been reported Abbington was hoping to take legal action, with the 52-year-old allegedly asking for behind-the-scenes footage of her training with the Italian choreographer.
The BBC has since defended Pernice, with the broadcaster reportedly “puzzled” by Abbington’s requests.
When asked about the allegations on Tuesday, Pernice refrained from giving his view on the actress’ claims.
Abbington has reportedly 'teamed up' with Pernice's former Strictly partners
ITV
However, speaking to Lorraine Kelly about his perfectionism and drive to win, he responded: “It’s not just about the winning.
“It’s a shame because, as I’ve said in the past, it was a shame. With Amanda, we could have gone all the way to the final, a great talent.”
He continued: “But again, you’re there to put this in perspective of being the best they can, and Amanda as I said was a great, great talent, great dancer.”
Strictly pro-turned-judge Anton Du Beke chimed: “I thought you were marvellous. It’s really interesting as you start to watch this from a judge's perspective.
Abbington quit Strictly Come Dancing on week five last year
BBC
“When you start to watch it at the beginning, sometimes people start and you go, ‘This is rather good’. And sometimes it goes the other way.”
It was reported on Monday that Pernice’s former Strictly partners, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh, have contacted one another to discuss their own experiences with the dancer.
The stars have supposedly reached out to each other on social media and gathered last week, with “tears being shed” over their “difficult experiences”.
Good Morning Britain presenter Singh, 46, had complained about Pernice on the 2020 show, while Whitmore’s experience with him in 2016 left her “crying every day”.
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Giovanni has addressed the reported feud
ITV
A source explained: “All three had difficult experiences with Giovanni, who is well known to be intense during training. They met in person to share their experiences.”
Speaking to The Sun, they added: “Their meeting was emotional but heart-warming.
“They now know they are there to support each other after their tough times with Giovanni. Tears were shed."
It was also reported there was a "possibility" the trio could take it further and "formally complain to the BBC".
GB News has previously contacted the BBC regarding the reports.