Giovanni Pernice has responded to accusations of abusive behaviour made by Amanda Abbington, who labelled him "cruel and mean." The professional dancer was partnered with Amanda on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.

Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, left Strictly midway through the series, citing medical reasons. However, she has since claimed that Giovanni, 33, engaged in "bullying" behaviour during training—something Giovanni denies.

Following Amanda's recent comments, in which she described Giovanni's behaviour as "abusive" and "unnecessary," the ex-Strictly pro has responded, stating he "refutes these allegations." A spokesperson for Giovanni said: "The BBC has shared allegations from the inquiry with Giovanni, who has cooperated fully."

They continued: "None of the allegations reported in The Sun on Sunday are included in any shape or form. Giovanni refutes these allegations and denies any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour. He has provided substantive evidence to the investigation and remains fully confident of clearing his name," reports the Mail.

The statement was released shortly after Amanda, who was diagnosed with PTSD following her time on Strictly, spoke about her experience on the show in an explosive interview with The Sun on Sunday.

Amanda claimed: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people. I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show. I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Amanda claimed that she received death threats after she made a complaint to the BBC, and that she believes the BBC knew about Giovanni’s behaviour before she came forward.

Giovanni will not be appearing on Strictly Come Dancing this year. He and fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima will both be absent from the line-up, as they are under BBC investigation following accusations about their behaviour.

A BBC inquiry was launched following Amanda’s original complaint and recent video footage seen by the BBC of celebrity contestant Zara McDermott with professional dancer Graziano in rehearsals. The former Love Island star has described the footage as “distressing." Since his removal from the show, Graziano has admitted to kicking Zara but denies spitting at her.