Debbie McGee defends Giovanni Pernice amid Amanda Abbington feud claims

Debbie McGee has stood up for her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice amid fresh rumours of a feud with Amanda Abbington behind the scenes. Her words also triggered a huge reaction from fans on social media.

This weekend The Sun reported Abbington has allegedly asked for footage of their training sessions to show what happened between them on Strictly. Rumours of a feud first emerged when Abbington quit Strictly early.

Many of Pernice's partners have spoken out in the past about their relationship with the dancer. But as the news hit headlines this weekend, McGee didn't stay silent and she chose to speak up in support of her close friend.

Pernice, 33, taught McGee, 65, how to dance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and the pair made it all the way to the final thanks to their dancing skills and chemistry. They shared a close bond on the BBC dancing show and became great friends for life.

Debbie McGee supports Giovanni Pernice

McGee shared a sweet photograph of herself with the dance professional and they looked very happy in each other's company. Alongside the picture, she wrote: "Happy memories. Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly."

Her kind words had touched Pernice who shared a heartwarming response and he thanked her for the support. Beneath the post on Instagram, he wrote: "Love you… thank you." McGee won the hearts of her fans too for standing up for Pernice.

Many praised the star in the comments for speaking up on social media. Among the fans, one wrote: "Well done Debbie thank you for doing this for GIO he doesn't deserve this hope he knows how much his fans are behind him such a lovely man.you & GIO were a brilliant partnership always said you should have won."

"Thank you Debbie for showing support all of his fans support him 100%." Another added: "Good on you Debbie, Gio doesn't deserve any of this xx."

Others spoke out saying: "Thank you for speaking up for Giovanni Pernice too many innocent people can be destroyed by careless talk. By the way…you were great on the show too & a good partnership."

"Thank you Debbie McGee for speaking out and echoing what every fan is saying Giovanni Pernice is the consummate professional and a beautiful man inside and out xx."

"Yes to more praise of Gio… Why is the media so intent on creating such vile witch hunts off the back of mediocre people!? We love you Gio and Debbie xx."

Giovanni Pernice is an 'incredible teacher'

McGee isn't the only dance partner to have struck up a close bond with Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing. Rose Ayling-Ellis hailed Pernice as an "incredible teacher" as well as a "wonderful friend" after the pair lifted the Glitter Ball trophy in 2021.

After their win at the time, Ayling-Ellis told Pernice: "I just want to say you are so amazing. You pushed me to believe in myself more than I believe in myself. You are an incredible teacher, but not just that you are a wonderful friend."

She further elaborated on their close bond as she said: "We've gone through a lot, and I just want you to know no matter what happens, no matter how busy we get, I want you to know you've always got a piece of my heart. You really do."

BBC addresses Abbington drama

The BBC has spoken out following the Abbington drama with a statement on Monday. In a statement, BBC told The Mirror: "The BBC offers a comprehensive range of support to all individuals taking part in our shows.

"Strictly Come Dancing has always taken duty of care incredibly seriously and there is a constant dialogue between senior members of the production team and the contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly. Strictly has a proud track record as a joyful, positive experience where robust support and assistance is always made available at every stage of the production."

Yahoo has reached out to Giovanni Pernice for further comment.

Read more

• What Strictly stars have said about Giovanni Pernice amid Amanda Abbington claims

• Strictly contestant 'demands rehearsal footage in support of PTSD legal claim' (Deadline, 2 min read)

• Strictly's Amy Dowden shares heartbreaking admission (Digital Spy, 2 min read)

• Ellie Leach breaks Strictly Come Dancing trophy (Bang Showbiz, 2 min read)