In the aftermath of the bullying investigation involving *Strictly Come Dancing* pro Giovanni Pernice,
fellow professional Gorka Marquez has made significant changes to his training approach.
The 2024 incident, which was sparked by actress Amanda Abbington’s accusations of verbal and physical abuse during her time on the show, prompted a BBC investigation.
The inquiry upheld six of the 17 complaints filed, although the more serious allegations of physical aggression were not substantiated.
Giovanni Pernice later admitted that he is a “strict teacher” but denied the bullying claims.
While the investigation into Pernice’s actions created a storm of controversy, Gorka Marquez,
who was partnered with Dr. Punam in the latest series of *Strictly*, has reflected on the event and adjusted his methods. Gorka, a Spanish ballroom dancer, explained that he adapts his training techniques to each individual celebrity partner, emphasizing that no two people are the same.
When asked directly if the Giovanni investigation had influenced his training methods, Gorka made it clear that he already customized his approach to suit the unique needs of each celebrity. “I change my training methods with every celebrity, every year,” Gorka shared. “That’s because everybody is different. A good teacher is the one who knows how to adapt to the abilities and needs of your students.” He went on to draw a parallel between teaching on *Strictly* and parenting, noting that just as you wouldn’t use the same approach for each child, you can’t treat every celebrity dancer the same. “It’s like if you have two children, the way you educate one won’t work for the other. There are differences between a boy and a girl, or differences in personalities that require different approaches.”
Gorka emphasized the importance of trial and error, especially in the initial stages of working with a new celebrity. As a teacher, Gorka believes it’s vital to observe and adjust based on what works and what doesn’t. “You need to observe and see what things work and what things don’t work,” he said. “Then you adapt. It’s trial and error, especially in the first weeks, then you get to know a person because it’s someone that you’ve never met before. After that, you adjust your methods because of their abilities, their personalities, and their backgrounds.”
Beyond adapting his teaching style, Gorka is firm in his belief that every celebrity on *Strictly Come Dancing* should have a memorable and enjoyable experience. “The most important thing is always to enjoy it and have fun,” he explained. “For me, that’s my number one priority. People who come and do *Strictly*, the celebrities can only do this show once. So let’s make sure that one experience is the best experience for them. We can come back for another year and another year, but they don’t.” This perspective underscores his commitment to ensuring that his partners, regardless of how long they stay on the show, walk away with positive memories and a sense of accomplishment. “Whatever the outcome is at the end, one week, three weeks, a final, win the trophy, you want them to walk away feeling like they had the time of their life.”
Although the controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice had some initial impact on the public’s perception of *Strictly Come Dancing*, Gorka believes that the show’s popularity remains intact. “People enjoy the show, love the show, because it’s such a joyful show,” he said, confident that the positive energy of the program will continue to draw audiences despite any negative publicity.
In addition to his *Strictly* responsibilities, Gorka is preparing for his upcoming Speakeasy Tour, where he will hit the road with fellow *Strictly* professional Karen Hauer next month. This tour will allow Gorka to further connect with fans across the country, showcasing his dancing skills in a more intimate setting.
Ultimately, Gorka’s reflection on the Giovanni Pernice investigation has led to a reaffirmation of his teaching philosophy. For him, adapting to the individual needs of his partners, ensuring they have fun, and helping them create lasting memories are the core principles guiding his approach to the show. As he continues to evolve as both a teacher and performer, Gorka’s focus remains on making every *Strictly* journey as enjoyable and memorable as possible for his celebrity partners.
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