Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke under fire for 'cringe' BBC show as viewers fume 'why am I paying for this!'

Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke under fire for 'cringe' BBC show as viewers fume 'why am I paying for this!'

WATCH HERE: Anton and Giovanni star in the trailer for their new Spanish travel series

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 26/03/2024

- 12:01

The Strictly pair have headed to Spain for their new series

Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain returned for its second episode on Monday night but judging by the reaction online, several viewers may not be tuning into next week's finale.

The Strictly Come Dancing duo headed to Benidorm for Monday's instalment, soaking in the sights and taking part in a number of activities - and the odd dance demo - with the locals.


Decked in an "I (Love) Benidorm" cap, Du Beke and his fellow dancer Pernice mingled with ex-pats on the Costa Brava, took part in water aerobics, watched a Queen tribute act, chowed down on snails, and tried their hand at acting on the set of a Western.

Fans were also treated to footage from inside their car as the pals drove around the Spanish roads.

While the pair's chemistry and countless quips to the camera have made them firm favourites in the Strictly universe, it seems their comradery fell flat with several viewers who tuned into primetime BBC One on Monday night.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, during Monday's show, one licence fee payer hit out: "@BBC Anton & Giovanni in Spain is just awful. Why am I paying for this rubbish."

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice headed to Benidorm in the latest episode of their BBC show

BBC

And a second agreed: "Sorry BBC 1, but Anton and Giovanni’s lacklustre attempts at being charming, their banal chat that could melt wallpaper and unconvincing, awkward banter are just anaesthetic level dull as your desperate reliance on Gio being semi-naked every 5 minutes suggest you realise."

"I'd like to nominate Anton and Giovanni's Spanish journey as the worst, least informative and frankly cringe-worthy travelogue of all time," a third weighed in.

A fourth angered viewer hit out: "Watching Anton and Giovanni because they're in Madrid and I'm going soon. What the f***ing hell (scuse me) is this evil evil programme, one of the worst hours of my life."

Elsewhere, a fifth had a different reaction to the show: "Anton and Giovanni’s thing on BBC is so bad that you can’t help but smile."

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice took part in water aerobics in Benidorm

BBC

Another replied directly to Du Beke who had earlier promoted the show on X: "What a let down the Benidorm scenes, awful… I thought you two were better than that. What are you both wanting more voters and show attendances?"

However, amid the uproar were still a few who lauded the dancing duo's trip to Spain.

"Watching #AntonandGiovanni and really hope @TheAntonDuBeke and @pernicegiovann1 do another series, they are so funny," one fan praised while a second agreed: "#AntonAndGiovannisAdventuresInSpain Great programme. Full of happiness and an escape from the everyday life."

And a third similarly complimented: "Thank you, Anton and Giovanni! A lovely program full of humour and beautiful scenery. Never a dull moment. Love the song and dance bit too. Love you both!" (sic)

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice have come under fire the latest episode of their Spanish Adventure

BBC

It's not the first time in recent weeks Pernice, in particular, has found himself at the centre of controversy.

His future on Strictly is reportedly up in the air as BBC bosses are "undecided" about pairing him up with a celebrity partner.

Pernice's methods have been thrown into question in recent months following a row with Amanda Abbington who left last year's show prematurely.

She reportedly sought legal advice about her time on the show and a handful of Pernice's former celebrity partners are believed to have reached out to Abbington with similar experiences.

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