Giovanni Pernice, a professional dancer on the British television show Strictly Come Dancing, has sparked renewed controversy with the release of his autobiography, which addresses the bullying allegations made against him by his 2023 dance partner, actress Amanda Abbington. The memoir, titled *Taking The Lead*, comes nearly three years after Abbington formally complained to the BBC, leading to a six-month investigation that upheld some claims of verbal bullying and harassment, though more serious accusations of physical aggression were not substantiated.

Pernice, 35, who had been one of Strictly’s longest-serving professionals, has consistently denied the allegations. In his book, he describes the working relationship with Abbington as one marked by "near the knuckle" banter and denies any wrongdoing. He also disclosed that Abbington made a Nazi salute during rehearsals, an incident he chose not to report at the time. He provided investigators with audio evidence in which Abbington herself acknowledged difficult behaviour. Friends of Pernice reveal that he was encouraged by colleagues and even some BBC staff to lodge formal counter-complaints but declined, citing pride and a reluctance to escalate the situation.

Abbington, 53, who dropped out of the show citing health reasons and later pursued legal action resulting in a financial settlement and apology from the BBC, has reacted critically to Pernice’s account. She maintained that his portrayal mischaracterises the events and emphasized her focus on moving forward without further engagement. Abbington previously accused Pernice of verbal bullying, harassment, and inappropriate conduct, including stamping on her foot, claims Pernice denies.

The release of Pernice’s autobiography has also caused friction among the Strictly cast. Several professional dancers reportedly felt shocked and hurt by his criticism of their behaviour in the book, which includes allegations of excessive alcohol consumption before live shows and hostile interactions behind the scenes. Sources within the professional dancer community suggest that the book has created tension and "bad blood," complicating preparations for the show’s revamped 2026 season set to premiere on September 19 with new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe.

Support for Pernice’s account has come from Strictly judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke, who publicly endorsed his book on social media. Pernice claims that, during his "darkest days," many colleagues abandoned him, contrasting this with the show's portrayal of its cast as a close-knit family.

The BBC, which commissioned a thorough investigation into the allegations, has since implemented enhanced welfare measures, including the addition of chaperones at rehearsals. The network has expressed its intention to move forward with the revised series, which will include a tribute to Dolly Parton following her recent passing.

Following his departure from Strictly, Pernice has found professional success abroad, winning the Italian version of the dance competition, *Ballando con le Stelle*, and entering a relationship with actress Bianca Guaccero. Abbington has also continued her career, recently securing a prominent role in the Apple TV series *Down Cemetery Road*. Despite their ongoing personal and professional progress, the dispute between Pernice and Abbington appears unlikely to be fully resolved in the near future.