Giovanni Pernice announces return to TV following Strictly axe
He was removed from the show after complaints
He's been a fan favourite since joining the show back in 2015, but dancer Giovanni Pernice will play no part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, after he was axed from the professional line-up following complaints of 'inappropriate behaviour' by a number of his former celeb partners.
Whilst an investigation is ongoing by the BBC, Giovanni has always pleaded his innocence, and now he's set to return to TV for the first time since the scandal emerged.
Taking to his Instagram page to update his followers on his next career move, Giovanni announced he's joining the Italian version of Strictly, which is called Ballando cone le Stelle.
He said: “Hi everyone, it’s me, Giovanni. Hope everyone is having a nice rest of the summer. I’m here in Portofino, and I just finished two fantastic weeks with my family.
“But I’m here to give you some exciting news because I can finally reveal that from next week, I will be joining the cast of Ballando cone le Stelle, which is the equivalent of Dancing with the Stars - the Italian version.
“Of course, I’m excited because finally, I’m back on the dancefloor and hopefully I will create some new magic on the dance floor. So I’m very, very very happy.”
Gio's followers were quick to show their support. Former Strictly contestant Michelle Visage wrote: 'Go win and DON’T VOGUE', with actress Hannah Waddingham writing: 'Buona fortuna Bello! Xxxx'. (sic)
A fan wrote: 'Back on the dance floor where you belong 🕺🏆❤️', with another commenting: 'He’s back in the ballroom!!!! This is very exciting!!!! 😍😍 congratulations on your new dance venture , proud of you ❤️'. (sic)
Another said: 'This is AMAZING news @giovannipernice 🙌🏼✨❤️ Sooooooo happy for you! Go get that trophy!!'. (sic)
Check out which professionals will take part in Strictly 2024 below:
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2024 she won the show with comedian Chris McCausland.
Vito Coppola
Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East. In 2024, Vito went one step further, winning the show with former Corrie actress Ellie Leach.
Amy Dowden
Caerphilly-born Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. In 2023 she was forced to miss the show after being diagnosed with cancer in May. After undergoing successful treatment, Amy returned to the show in 2024.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2024 he was paired with Dr Punam Krishan.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Paul Merson.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with Wynne Evans in 2024.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Gladiator Montell Douglas in 2024.
Kai Widdrington
Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai wasn't paired with anybody.
Jowita Przystal
Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series, with the pair went on to win the show. Jowita was then paired with Pete Wicks in 2024.
Carlos Gu
Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show. Last year, Carlos didn't have a celeb partner.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams, and was paired with Sam Quek in 2024.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Shayne Ward in 2024. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.
Neil Jones
Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His past celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott, actress and comedian Nina Wadia, and Toyah Willcox in 2024.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series. Lauren stepped in for injured dancer Amy Dowden last year, working with JB Gill.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2024 she was paired with Nick Knowles.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2024 she was paired with Tom Dean.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022 and was given her first celeb partner in Jamie Borthwick in 2024.
Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the show for a massive nine years before announcing he'd quit in 2022. However, much to the delight of fans, BBC bosses confirmed in July 2024 that he would be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series, making it all the way to the final with Tasha Ghouri.
Alexis Warr
American dancer Alexis Warr has joined the series for 2025. She said: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK."
Julian Caillon
Australian dancer Julian Caillon has joined the series for 2025. He said: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! "
After almost 10 years on the show, Giovanni, along with fellow pro Graziano Di Prima, was removed from this year's line-up by BBC bosses after a series of complaints were made against his behaviour in the training room.
Giovanni's former partner's Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington have spoken out publicly, with Amanda calling her Strictly experience 'inappropriate, mean and nasty' in tell-all interview on Lorraine.
Despite the allegations, Giovanni has always pleaded his innocence, with his team stating he is co-operating fully with the BBC's review process.
Giovanni will start filming for the Italian version of Strictly next week. The show isn't available to watch in the UK.
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