Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice, has been left 'devastated' by the claims made by Amanda Abbington about his treatment of her, according to a close friend of the Strictly star.
Giovanni has left the dance competition behind and is back living in Rome where he is now starring in the Italian version of the show, called Ballando Con Le Stelle. A source close to the dancer has revealed that for the past six months or more, Giovanni has faced a number of difficult moments as he defended his names against the allegations made by actress Amanda, when they were partnered in the 2023 series of Strictly.
After an investigation by the BBC, six of the 17 allegations made by Amanda were upheld and Giovanni was pleased that the most serious claims were dismissed. Speaking to MailOnline, a source close to the Italian dancer said: "It has been awful for Giovanni. He has had to read stories about himself that weren't true for more than six months and then, the verdict of the inquiry showed that he hadn't done all of the things that Amanda or her friends had been telling the media."
The source continued: "But just when he thought it was over he could move on, Amanda decided to go out and spout more horrible things [...] which were not upheld by the BBC's investigators - and it takes its toll. She did interviews where she seemed to go unchallenged about things that were not deemed to be proved by the BBC's HR department. He just can't see why any of this is fair. It's like he is being tormented."
Rumours are swirling that Giovanni might be looking for a path back to Strictly and has recently announced a UK dancing tour next year, Together Again, alongside his "best friend" Anton Du Beke, who is one of the judges on the BBC show.
Announcing the tour, Giovanni wrote on : "BREAKING NEWS! If you were wondering now is confirmed !!the double act is back on the road ! Me and my best friend @mrantondubeke are back on tour next summer ! www.antonandgiovanni.com See you all there."
A source has said that the Italian dancer is hoping that this will help his desire to return to Strictly. They said: "Giovanni has not given up on appearing on the Strictly stage. As far as he is concerned, he has been cleared and there is no reason why he couldn't return. He has told his pals he is hoping to be back next year and is keen to speak to the BBC about it. He still feels very much part of the fold, and has a massive fan base who would no doubt welcome him back. But of course the final decision will be made by BBC bosses."
The has contacted Amanda Abbington's representatives for comment.
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