BBC bosses confirm Giovanni Pernice WON'T feature on Strictly 2024
The professional line-up has been announced
Last updated 10th Jun 2024
He's been a popular figure on the show since joining the cast in 2015, but professional dancer Giovanni Pernice's time may be up on Strictly Come Dancing, as he's been left out of the 2024 professional line-up.
BBC bosses unveiled this year's professional dancers on Monday 10th June, which includes Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
Although the BBC haven't spoken about Giovanni's exit, Sarah James, Executive Producer said of the new series: “This year Strictly marks two decades of entertaining the nation and we will be back with a bang in September as we celebrate in style with our incredible team both on and off screen.”
According to reports in the media last month, the 33-year-old Italian decided to step away from the popular show in order to focus on other TV opportunities, with rumours suggesting an internal memo was sent around to the other dancers, which didn't include his name.
What has Giovanni said?
Although he never directly mentioned if he was staying or leaving the show, Giovanni did break his silence on the rumours, releasing a statement on social media on 18th May.
He wrote: 'To my dear fans. You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
'Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
'Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
'I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners.
'Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!
'Giovanni'. (sic)
Is he leaving Strictly?
Following reports last week that Giovani had 'quit' the show, Strictly bosses told OK! Magazine: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."
It was then confirmed on Monday 10th June that Giovanni would not be involved in the 2024 series.
When did Giovanni join Strictly?
Giovanni first joined Strictly Come Dancing back in 2015, when he was paired with Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote. The pair made it all the way to the final, finishing as runners-up.
After being paired with Laura Whitmore in 2016, Giovanni then made the final again in 2017, alongside celebrity partner Debbie McGee, with the pair finishing in second place.
Despite making it to the final for the third time in four years in 2018 with Steps singer Faye Tozer, the pair lost out on the Glitterball Trophy to Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.
After being paired with Michelle Visage in 2019 and Ranvir Singh in 2020, Giovanni finally won the show in 2021, alongside the show's first ever deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis. The pair delighted fans with their professional chemistry on the dancefloor, receiving the earliest 40/40 score from the judges.
In 2022, Giovanni was involved in an all-male partnership on the show, alongside Richie Anderson, before teaming up with Amanda Abbington for last year's series. Amanda withdrew from the competition at the half-way stage due to 'medical reasons', before later revealing she'd suffered with PTSD from the show.
Since the last series, a number of Giovanni's past partners have spoken about their 'experiences' with the dancer, but no official complaints were lodged against him, and he's always defended himself.
Check out all of this year's rumours for Strictly Come Dancing:
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing earlier this year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, is reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series!
Angellica Bell
Just months after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, TV and Radio presenter Angellica Bell is also rumoured for Strictly, after recently expressing her interest in taking part in the show.
Sir Mo Farah
Although in the very early stages, BBC bosses are reportedly keen to sign Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah.
Ashley Cain
Reality TV star and fundraiser Ashley Cain could also make an appearance on the 2025 series, with The Mirror saying: "He's a proper character with a very interesting background that looks the part. He would be a great addition to the Strictly line up. He's presented a couple of BBC shows and has really impressed."
Georgia Toffolo
According to reports, another name on the BBC's wish list is former I'm A Celeb and Made In Chelsea star Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo.
In recent months, Giovanni has teamed up with Strictly co-star Anton Du Beke for a travel TV series called Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain, and he's also released his very own fragrance called Vita.
Giovanni also recently went public with his new girlfriend, sharing a snap to celebrate her birthday. He wrote: 'Happy bday to my beautiful 👸🏼!! TMABWAW ♥️♥️♥️ I love you!'. (sic)
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024
BBC announce special programme to celebrate 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing 2024: All of the rumoured celebrities