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

Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington row appears to be rumbling on with fresh rumours about the actor's feelings over training with the pro dancer.

Abbington dropped out of the BBC contest mid-series, amid reports of a clash with dance partner Pernice over his approach to training.

When Sherlock star Abbington quit, she cited medical reasons - but some fans thought it telling that she did not mention Pernice in her statement about leaving the show.

Now, The Sun has reported that Abbington has allegedly asked for footage of their training sessions to show what really went on during her time on Strictly.

Abbington may not have spoken publicly on the rumoured rift, but some of Pernice's other celebrity dance partners have previously shared their views on what it was like to train together, with mixed reviews.

Richie Anderson

Pernice's partner before Abbington was radio star Richie Anderson, who was one of the earliest eliminated stars in 2022 and was said to have clashed with the dancer.

Although he has not spoken out about his experiences, it was noted over the weekend that Anderson was no longer following Pernice on social media, suggesting that they did not stay in touch.

Laura Whitmore

Writing a blog post for Huffington Post in 2018, TV presenter Laura Whitmore said of taking part in Strictly two years earlier: "I’m still not ready to talk in depth about my experience on the show."

Whitmore danced with Pernice, who had split from her friend and another of his dance partners Georgia May Foote just before the series began.

She added: "I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with – and in the end I felt broken. I cried every day. And I really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.

"To the outside world I tried to suck it up and smile, and I did that to the best of my ability, but it affected me deeply."

Ranvir Singh

Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh has kept things reasonably light when discussing her time training with Pernice in 2020, but admitted to a few clashes.

During the series, she said of her partner: "Don't be fooled by his angelic face! He is a fiery Italian, super strict - I am a bit scared of him."

Singh also said during her time as a contestant: "We had a quiet moment when we needed time to ourselves. I have to be honest, I had a total meltdown and Giovanni put me in my place. He pointed to his arm, which says, 'Never give up' and says, 'That's just who I am'."

Rose Ayling-Ellis

On the other hand, Pernice has a famously close bond with his former Strictly partner Rose Ayling-Ellis, who he won the show with in 2021.

Pernice spoke of his admiration for the EastEnders star, Strictly's first deaf contestant, and learned British Sign Language while working with her, which he still uses to thank viewers voting for him in more recent series.

After winning the show, Ayling-Ellis shared: "Six months ago, I didn't have a clue what I signed up for and to be honest I was terrified. Now, I know for sure that it was the best decision I have ever made, what a crazy ride and life-changing experience it has been.

"@giovannipernice, I am so grateful that you were part of my Strictly journey. Thank you for telling my story and showing everyone who I am. Our friendship is so special and lasting for sure."

The pair often share photos of them enjoying each others' company, and had a night out at the Royal Opera House together after Abbington's exit.

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