Giovanni Pernice discusses mental health struggles after BBC exit

Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has spoken about the severe mental health struggles he faced following his removal from the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2024. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Pernice revealed that the controversy left him feeling suicidal, depressed, and physically unwell, noting that he gained significant weight and developed myocarditis during the period.

The fallout stemmed from allegations made by former dance partner Amanda Abbington, who accused Pernice of verbal and physical abuse. While a BBC investigation cleared Pernice of physical violence, it partially upheld concerns regarding his verbal conduct. Pernice maintains that his use of profanity was a reaction to being insulted himself and argues that the BBC ‘hung me out to dry’ to protect the broadcaster.

Pernice expressed frustration that while the BBC apologized to Abbington, he received no such apology, stating that the media portrayal of the incident ruined his life and career.