Giovanni Pernice, who spent nearly a decade as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, showcased his versatility through memorable performances: from a jazz routine dressed as a skeleton with Faye Tozer to voguing with Michelle Visage from RuPaul’s Drag Race. His highlight included a Lion King-inspired samba as Pumba with Richie Anderson and an impressive feat of spinning Debbie McGee hands-free in the finals, achieving a record number of four appearances in the finals. His crowning achievement came in 2021 when he won alongside Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show’s first deaf contestant, performing a silent couple’s choice routine.
However, controversy arose following allegations from Amanda Abbington, his former celebrity partner, who cited Pernice’s stringent teaching methods, leading to her early exit and claims of mild PTSD. Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh also expressed discomfort with Pernice’s intense training style on separate occasions. These incidents prompted an internal investigation by the BBC and ultimately led to Pernice not being included in the upcoming season’s professional dancer lineup, as revealed in a leaked memo to The Sun.
The scandal involving Abbington and subsequent investigations have cast a shadow over Strictly Come Dancing, highlighting tensions between celebrities and their professional partners. Despite the transient fame of the celebrities involved, it’s often the professional dancers who capture long-term viewer interest. The pros’ roles have become integral to the show’s appeal, with viewers eagerly anticipating the annual pairing announcements and rooting for their favorite dancers, often irrespective of the celebrity they are paired with.
While celebrities may use the show as a platform to boost their careers or gain public recognition, it’s the professionals who maintain consistent viewer loyalty through their skill and charisma. The departure of popular figures like Pernice, rumored to move to ITV’s “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here,” may initially seem like a loss for Strictly, but it could also signal an opportunity for new stars like Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, and Nikita Kuzmin to shine.
In the end, the enduring appeal of Strictly Come Dancing lies in its professionals’ ability to entertain and captivate audiences week after week, despite occasional behind-the-scenes controversies that threaten to tarnish its glittering facade.
