Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has found himself at the centre of another uncomfortable moment, this time on the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing. His current dance partner, television host Francesca Fialdini, was filmed visibly moving his hand away from her waist following a performance.
The Viral Incident
The awkward exchange occurred after the pair performed to Queen's 'The Show Must Go On' on Ballando con le Stelle, Italy's equivalent of Strictly. In a video shared on Giovanni's Instagram earlier this week, 46-year-old Francesca can be seen batting away his hand after he placed it on her waist. Realising her discomfort, the professional dancer quickly adjusted, moving his hand to her shoulder and asking: 'Oh you're hurting there too?' in reference to her injured foot.
This incident bears striking resemblance to a viral moment from last year's Strictly Come Dancing, where professional dancer Katya Jones moved contestant Wynne Evans' hand from her waist and rejected his attempt at a high-five. At the time, Katya stated Evans had been 'portrayed as someone he is not', with both insisting the 'wandering hand' was nothing more than a silly joke.
Background of Controversy
Giovanni's participation in the Italian show follows his abrupt departure from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing after allegations were made by his former partner, Amanda Abbington. The Sherlock actress, 51, left the 2023 series midway through and later accused Giovanni of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' in July last year.
The professional dancer immediately rejected these claims, and a BBC investigation in September found no evidence to support allegations of physical aggression and threatening behaviour. However, the corporation did uphold complaints of verbal bullying and harassment, issuing an apology to Amanda while Giovanni expressed pleasure that the report 'has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour'.
Aftermath and Current Situation
Amanda Abbington recently reiterated her criticism of Giovanni during an appearance on White Wine Question Time, stating: 'I just felt I wasn't being treated fairly in that room.' She revealed facing significant public backlash, including receiving 20 to 30 death threats daily, and admitted uncertainty about whether people still 'like' her following the controversy.
Meanwhile, Giovanni's career continues on Ballando con le Stelle, where he won last year's competition with partner Bianca Guaccero, 44. The pair confirmed their romance after the show. Despite the ongoing shadow of allegations, Giovanni maintains his professional commitments while Amanda has returned to theatre work in north London, expressing hopes to continue acting and potentially move into directing.
