Giovanni Pernice was quick to speak up to It Takes Two presenter Fleur East when she quizzed him and Amanda Abbington about "rumours" during their final joint televised interview in October 2023.
The pair ended up quitting the series in Week Five - just days after the interview - following a series of impressive routines from the Sherlock star and Italian dancing pro.
However, while Abbington said in her exit statement at the time her departure was down to "personal reasons", reports have emerged since that she's seeking legal advice about her time training with Pernice on the show.
It's claimed Abbington is "demanding" footage from the rehearsal room and is suffering from PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder] as a result of her Strictly stint.
The BBC reportedly won't be investigating Pernice following Abbington's claims and Pernice recently returned to social media to thank former partner Debbie McGee for her support amid the spat.
Signs of tension and reports of a feud plagued Abbington and Pernice's time together during last year's Strictly and arguably a moment from their final joint interview added fuel to the fire.
Giovanni Pernice ruffled his collar as he cut into Fleur East's question
BBC
After performing a Foxtrot to Fleetwood Mac's Everywhere which saw them through to the next stage of the competition, Abbington and Pernice joined It Takes Two host East on October 17.
"I loved it, I loved it!" an excitable Abbington began the interview referring to their previous week's routine. "I genuinely did, I loved the whole performance of it."
East then brought up the two-week break Abbington and Pernice had enjoyed after she was given a bye in Week Three to which Abbington and Pernice both said "muscle memory" helped them perform in Week Four.
Things took a slightly awkward turn, however, when East then probed: "We need to address the rumours..."
Quick as a flash, Pernice began adjusting his collar before he cut into East's question: "What is the rumour?"
Abbington similarly appeared on tenterhooks as a smile was quickly replaced by pursed lips before East added some clarity.
It soon transpired East was referring to the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours, although Pernice still appeared confused.
Abbington took over: "Yeah! I'm going to buy you the Rumours album. I know you're not a big fan but there are some good tracks on it. See, I love that song but now I can't listen to it for a bit."
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Amanda Abbington had danced with Giovanni Pernice in Strictly up until Week 5
BBCJust three days later, Abbington's departure was confirmed as Janette Manrara broke the news on the Friday edition of the Strictly spin-off.
Manrara cited "medical reasons" and mentioned it would only be for the weekend but Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed on the following show she wouldn't be returning.
Abbington has gone on to admit she was "distraught" to have left the competition while the BBC reportedly refused to invite her back for the show's grand finale.
GB News has contacted the BBC for comment.