.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp)
Giovanni Pernice has spoken out amid allegations of misconduct during his time on Strictly Come Dancing.
The embattled professional dancer vowed “I’ll be back” as his former dance partner Amanda Abbington claimed his behaviour on the BBC dance competition was “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”, in an interview with the Sun on Sunday.
The 50-year-old Sherlock actress - who withdrew from last year's series in October - told the newspaper that she feared a backlash if she complained and claimed the BBC had known about his behaviour for years.
The broadcaster confirmed that the 33-year-old Italian will not be returning for the show's series this year while his spokesperson has previously said he denied any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour.
Appearing on stage during his tour with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke in Salford on Sunday, Pernice said: “Let’s see what this mad woman has got to say next." He did not name anyone.
“Oh, I will be back, don’t you worry,” Pernice said to loud cheers from the audience at the Lowry Theatre, on the final stop on the Anton and Giovanni Together Live Tour.
Pernice first joined Strictly in 2015 and quickly became a firm fan-favourite, winning it in 2021 with former EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
He is not the only professional dancer on the scandal-hit show to have his methods come under intense scrutiny.
Last week Graziano Di Prima was axed from Strictly following an altercation with his former dance partner Zara McDermott, whom he was paired with during the 2023 series.
Issuing a statement, Di Prima - who held his hands up - said: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime."
