Giovanni Pernice can only even dream of Strictly return under one condition-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Giovanni Pernice could return to UK TV according to PR experts (Picture: PA/BBC/REX)

Giovanni Pernice’s return to UK TV is not ‘impossible’ after the outcome of the BBC investigation into his conduct – but he must take this one crucial step, according to PR experts.

The broadcaster upheld some of his former partner Amanda Abbington’s complaints relating to verbal bullying and harassment but cleared him of physical aggression allegations.

It also apologised to the Sherlock actress, 53, who had pulled out of Strictly last year citing ‘personal reasons’ and claimed she was subjected to a ‘toxic environment’ and ‘inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying.’

Since departing Strictly and the launch of the investigation, Pernice, 34, has kept a low profile and has not announced any UK TV projects, although is currently appearing in Italian Strictly, Ballando con le stelle.

But a comeback to UK TV is not ‘impossible’ under certain conditions, according to Paul MacKenzie-Cummins, managing director of Clearly PR, who spoke to Metro.co.uk.

Paul said Pernice would need to publicly apologise to Abbington to win back the favour of TV producers – and he would also need to be patient.

The BBC upheld some of Abbington’s complaints after an investigation (Picture: Channel 4)

She made complaints to the BBC about Pernice’s conduct (Picture: PA)

Paul explained: ‘A return, if it were to happen, is a long way off right now. If Pernice aspires to return to our screens he needs to win back favour among the public.

‘It starts with a public apology to Amanda Abbington, the BBC and the public, backed up with an acknowledgement that his behaviour was wrong.

‘He also needs to outline the steps he will be taking to affect a shift both in his attitudes and behaviours.’

Andy Barr, co-founder of 10 Yetis, agreed that Pernice’s TV career was ‘not over’ but did say the BBC is unlikely to ever ask him to return to Strictly.

PR experts said it was unlikely Pernice would return to Strictly in the UK (Picture: PA)

He said: ‘While Giovanni’s TV career may not be over, the BBC will not want him back on Strictly, especially while they are trying to lead a charm offensive.

‘We can expect to see him follow the tried and tested crisis communications playbook of taking a short break out of the spotlight before dipping his toe back into celebrity-life-water via some form of reality TV appearance.

‘None of the mainstream TV channels will be queuing up to work with Giovanni right now, but in today’s fickle celebrity world, who knows where he could be appearing in 6 months, probably on a streaming platform-based documentary, outing his own grievances.’

Fredrik Jonsson, associate director of reputation at The PHA Group, also said that Pernice’s future career is not in ‘jeopardy’ but only a ‘brave’ UK TV producer would approach him for work.

He said: ‘Having always denied the allegations against him, Giovanni Pernice will no doubt be feeling some vindication following the outcome of the BBC’s six-month review.

‘By being cleared of using any threatening behaviour, this outcome means that all parties involved are able to maintain dignity and move on.

‘His future career does not immediately appear to be in jeopardy with Pernice due to his participation in the Italian equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing (Ballando con le Stelle).

‘But it would take a brave TV Producer here in the UK to work with him again.’

After the BBC’s investigation findings were published, Pernice said he was ‘happy’ with the outcome in an Instagram post.

The dancer admitted that ‘sometimes I do get frustrated’ but said it was because ‘you care about what you do’ and want to ‘get the best out of my partner.’

Giovanni has already moved on to his next show – the Italian version of Strictly (Picture: Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Images)

He also said: ‘Today is a day when we can all reflect because I appreciate that dancing is a very difficult thing to do.’

Meanwhile, Abbington is reportedly considering legal action against the BBC.

She told The Sun: ‘I want to take the time to consider the report in detail with my advisers before deciding what happens next.’

A source told the publication that while Abbington is ‘delighted and relieved’ that some of her accusations were upheld, and feels her decision to speak out has been rewarded, she’s been ‘through hell and back and lost work’ as a result of going public.

They added that Abbington ‘is considering taking further action against the BBC for damages and loss of earnings,’ adding: ‘Amanda suffered enormously, got formally diagnosed with PTSD, and feels the BBC breached its duty of care guidelines by not protecting her sooner.’

Strictly Come Dancing is continuing on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday from 6.25pm.

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