Giovanni Pernice returns to BBC as Strictly bosses back him just days after Amanda Abbingdon row
GIOVANNI Pernice is set to return to the BBC tonight as Strictly bosses back him following the fallout with Amanda Abbington.
News of the bosses’ backing comes after actress Amanda Abbington quit the series in October and demanded footage from training sessions.
The professional dancer, 33, will be joining The Traitors spin-off show Uncloaked, alongside The Masked Singer host Joel Dommett.
The show gives the latest banished and murdered contestants a chance to meet and find out who the traitors are, while celebrity guests are invited to give their commentary.
Giovanni’s appearance comes after Amanda allegedly told pals their tense relationship left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
An insider said: “It’s no secret Gio and Amanda had a tricksy relationship — but there are two sides to every story.
“Bosses arranged a call between his management and show execs to discuss recent coverage and make sure he was OK as obviously he’s faced a hell of a lot of stick over the past couple of months.
“The feeling is he is a tough taskmaster, but hasn’t bullied or abused anyone.
“The BBC see him as a key face of Strictly and will do all they can to support him.”
It has been a tumultuous few weeks for Sicilian Giovanni following a string of bullying accusations.
The pro, one of Strictly’s most successful dancers, has faced allegations that he clashed with previous partners, including Ranvir Singh and Faye Tozer, over his boot camp methods.
Amanda, 51, quit last year’s Strictly for “personal reasons.”
But The Sun on Sunday revealed she now wants to review recordings of their “tense” training sessions with a view to seeking legal advice.
A pal said: “Amanda has been left broken and saddened by the whole experience.
“She has needed therapy and was left in shock by the behaviour she was exposed to.”
But a source close to the show has defended Giovanni, saying Amanda may have lacked the commitment shown by many of the other celebs.
The source said: “Strictly is never an easy ride for the celebs.
“Training over eight hours a day in a very physical sport requires commitment and determination.
“Your heart has to be 100 per cent in the game.
“While Amanda said she was excited to be on the show, some felt her heart wasn’t really in it.
“With someone as driven as Giovanni that was always going to be a difficult fit.”