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.
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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 …read more
Source:: Metro
