Giovanni Pernice's former Strictly co-star joked about 'wanting to strangle him'
Giovanni Pernice's former Strictly Come Dancing partner Nicola Roberts previously joked that she wanted to 'strangle him' but was glad that she was paired with him given that he was a 'great teacher'.
Nicola, 38, also compared herself to Giovanni, 33, admitting that they were both 'perfectionists'. The interview from Girls Aloud Nicola has resurfaced amid bullying allegations made against Giovanni. His most recent celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, 51, quit last year’s series due to “personal reasons” and now claims to have PTSD after being paired with Giovanni on the show. Amanda is also said to be threatening legal action and demanding to see video footage of their rehearsals. The BBC called her claim 'excessive'.
Nicola was paired up with Giovanni, 33, on the 2022 Strictly Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing where the duo competed against six other celebrity couples. Although Nicola had previous dance experience before appearing on the show, she admitted that she couldn't help but feel like she irritated Giovanni by the way she danced in rehearsals.
Strictly's Nicola Roberts 'wanted to strangle' Giovanni Pernice amid allegations (BBC/Guy Levy)
Giovanni Pernice has been caught up in a BBC storm (WireImage)The singer said at the time: "My process is quite slow. I was beating myself up and not understanding the routine, not grasping the technical aspects, and the position is still not there every time and it’s a lot to think about so it’s been very fast but I like to be professional and I like to do a good job."
During The One Show interview, Nicola added: "Gio is a great teacher – he's a perfectionist - as am I. The waltz is so technical and its so different to anything I've done before. I don't necessarily like the learning process because I lose concentration and Gio is very 'again, again, again.' But I was grateful because when I finally got to do the waltz I was prepared.
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"And as much as during the rehearsal process I might have wanted to strangle him, I was glad that when I left the ballroom I thought I had done a good job of the waltz," she quipped.
BBC bosses have seemingly stood by Giovanni after Abbington's claim. After speaking to the professional dancer in the wake of the PTSD claims, a BBC source told the Mirror the allegations against him were “excessive”. They released a strongly-worded statement this week which inferred they would have picked up any bad behaviour at the time given their duty of care procedures.
A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC offers a comprehensive range of support to all individuals taking part in our shows. has always taken duty of care incredibly seriously and there is a constant dialogue between senior members of the production team and the contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly. Strictly has a proud track record as a joyful, positive experience where robust support and assistance is always made available at every stage of the production.”
Amanda isn't the only one who has spoken out against Giovanni. He has also faced allegations that he clashed with previous partners, including Ranvir Singh, who lodged an official complaint.
However, his former partner Debbie McGee has thrown her support Giovanni's way by posting a throwback photo of the pair from their time on the BBC show together in 2017. Alongside the photo, Debbie wrote: "Happy memories. Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly."
The Mirror has reached out to Giovanni's representatives for comment on this story.
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