“It started early on and when it started to happen, I would shut down because I would recognise those red flags.”
Pernice’s team hopes that recordings of a training session with Abbington will help to clear his name.
It was reported that in the audio clip recording, Abbington can be heard apologising for being a “nightmare”, and the pair end their exchange by saying “love you”.
The BBC invited both parties to submit evidence as the broadcaster investigated claims made by Abbington.
The actress partnered with Pernice in 2023 but quit the show early. Early in 2024, she claimed to have been diagnosed with “mild PTSD” following her experiences.
She went on to accuse Pernice of being abusive, and alleged that she had suffered “humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature”. She made clear that she was not a victim of sexual harassment.
Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, has commented on the ongoing row, saying at the launch of the broadcaster’s annual report that he was “very sorry that anyone has had an experience that hasn’t been wholly positive”.
He added: “That’s something we do need to reflect on and I’m sorry about that.
“There are clearly learnings specifically about oversight in the training rooms that we had needed to address.”
Despite quitting Strictly earlier this year amid allegations of misconduct, Pernice has had no shortage of work and has been on a nationwide tour with Anton du Beke, his former Strictly colleague.
The Sicilian has also held popular Ballando dance classes in central London, some of which have been supported by Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood, the Strictly judges, even as accusations hang over the dancer.
Taking to Instagram, the star shared images of recent classes, which he wrote had “sold out”.
Some rumours had circulated that ITV were looking at Pernice as a potential participant in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! to capitalise on his popularity. However, sources have moved to dismiss these as rumours with no foundation.