Giovanni Pernice has rejected the idea of a close-knit Strictly Come Dancing family, saying the professionals are ultimately competing for the Glitterball
His comments revisit the fallout from his 2023 partnership with Amanda Abbington, whose complaints led to a BBC investigation
Pernice says the dispute affected his health, while Abbington has accused him of misrepresenting events and says she developed PTSD
The BBC cleared him of the most serious allegations but acknowledged belittling language, excessively negative feedback and inappropriate workplace banter
Pernice says he remains close to judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood.