Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh was partnered with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 before Amanda Abbington accused the Italian of inappropriate behaviour
Ranvir Singh has broken her silence after the BBC finally published the results of its investigation into Strictly Come Dancing.
Professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice, 34, was cleared of the most serious claims made against him by Amanda Abbington, 50, who was partnered with the Sicilian on the show last year. However six of the actress’ claims were upheld, resulting in the broadcaster issuing the Sherlock star an apology.Ranvir, who was paired with Giovanni on Strictly in 2020, previously told Good Morning Britain viewers she was “a bit scared of him”, adding: “Don’t be fooled by his angelic face! He is a fiery Italian, super strict.” It was also reported that the presenter met up with Amanda and Gio’s other celebrity partner, Laura Whitmore, to discuss their experience on the show, which was described at the time as as “a tearful summit”.
Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh was partnered with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 (
Image:
BBC)
Now, Ranvir has made her feelings about the investigation into the dancer’s behaviour clear, telling GMB host, Susanna Reid: “I was pleased to see that the BBC investigation had concluded – it had been going on for some time – and that it ended with an apology to Amanda. I was pleased to see that.”
She continued: “I think that it can only be a good thing that these extra welfare measures have now been put in place on the back of this investigation because ultimately, Strictly is a show that everyone should be having a good time on. It’s entertaining, it’s joyful and everybody should be having a good time whether they work on the show, and the audience at home should feel comfortable that it’s what everyone is experiencing.”
After a nine-month investigation, Giovanni was cleared of the most serious claims made against him by Amanda, who accused the dancer of bullying and inappropriate behaviour before she quit the show with PTSD.
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Taking to Instagram, saying “all the threatening, abusive, harassment behaviour allegations have not been upheld,” Giovanni told fans he was “glad it’s over”.
However, complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were acknowledged. The review said “he [Giovanni] was swearing and using what could be described as belittling language.” This amounted to bullying behaviour, it added. Another complaint upheld was that the dancer was using “too much negative feedback”.
One told how he grabbed his crotch and uttered a lewd remark, and also told his dance partner that he “wanted to f*** her”. But a source close to Giovanni claimed: “This was all done in jest and perceived in this way by Amanda. They were intended as jokes and compliments of her dancing style. Her language could be just as coarse back.”
Both Amanda and Giovanni have claimed victory after the BBC’s investigation. After the broadcaster issued an apology to Amanda, she said: “As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.”
Meanwhile, Giovanni thanked his fans for standing by him, as he took to Instagram, saying: “It’s over, it’s finished. Six months, seven months of all of this… reading everyday things in the newspaper and not be able to respond because I wanted to keep the confidentiality and privacy of the review, it was a difficult time.”
