Ex Strictly star Giovanni Pernice on his darkest period after BBC exit

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has opened up about his mental health struggle after his departure from the series after a decade. 

The professional dancer exited the reality show in 2024 following a complaint from his partner the year before, Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, accusing him of bullying and abuse. In a new interview with The Telegraph two years on, Giovanni said he was "spiralling mentally" amid the reports and left feeling suicidal. 

© Mike Marsland/WireImage

"I went into this black hole," he told the publication, sharing that he became depressed.

"I’m a very work-oriented person. I really dedicate my life to work. It wasn’t even the financial [side]. It’s more, I have to do something. I always wanted to be something," he added.

"I was thinking, 'There’s no place for me any more in this industry. So what’s the point?' That’s when I thought, 'Well, let’s end this. There’s no point. Let’s end it. I’m never going to have back what I had'."

What was the complaint? 

Giovanni was paired with Amanda for the 2023 season, but five weeks into the competition, the actress left the show.

In early 2024, the Sherlock star filed a complaint to the BBC against Giovanni which included 17 instances of alleged bullying, abuse and physical violence. Giovanni's departure from Strictly was announced shortly afterwards. Following an investigation into his behaviour, the BBC upheld six of the allegations, though not the most serious of them.

© Guy Levy

In an excerpt from his forthcoming memoir Gio: Taking the Lead, as per The Telegraph, the dancer said he felt the BBC "hung me out to dry to cover their backs," adding he was "devastated by that."

He also said: "I’m disappointed, but more with the BBC than Amanda."

Giovanni was on Strictly for a decade

© Ray Burmiston

Giovanni joined Strictly in 2015 and went on to win the UK competition with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021. During his decade on the show, Giovanni reached the final four times. 

Following the news of his departure, HELLO! spoke to Strictly judge Shirley Ballas on the red carpet of the TRIC Awards in 2024. When asked if Giovanni would be missed, Shirley said: "I think that ten years is a long time on the show and we should just all be starting to celebrate the show as it starts again."

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