Giovanni Pernice says he's 'not a bully' and 'wouldn't change' in intense ITV interview with Christine Lampard

Giovanni Pernice has insisted he is not a "bully" and the he and Amanda Abbington "never had an argument" during their time on Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer, who said he is "upset" they didn't get a chance to make it to the show's final with the actress in 2023, made his first TV appearance on Tuesday (October 22)) since a BBC investigation into his conduct, which upheld six of 17 complaints Amanda made against him after they competed in the dance contest together last year.

Giovanni admitted he would have a "nice cup of tea" with the 50-year-old actress if he was in the same room with her now. When asked on 'Lorraine', which was hosted by Christine Lampard, if he would want to say sorry to Amanda if he was in a room with her now, Giovanni said: "I think we would have a nice cup of tea, we'll have a chat and talk about what happened in that room."

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The 34-year-old added: "It's very difficult, because at that time everything was perfect. Me and Amanda Abbington never had an argument."

The pro dancer also admitted he was "upset" that he and Amanda didn't get the chance to make the final of the 2023 series, after she quit the show last October ahead of Halloween Week.

He said on the ITV morning show: "When you have somebody in your hands, like Amanda, she was brilliant and unbelievable at dancing. I'm upset because we could have made it all the way to the final. My job is to take everything out of my partner."

Giovanni admitted he can be a "strict teacher", but was "relieved" that the "most serious allegations" in the investigation were "thrown out". He said: "It's in the public domain, the