Giovanni Pernice releases statement following Strictly Come Dancing exit
He won't be taking part this year
Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has released a statement after he was left out of the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Giovanni, who has been a Strictly pro since 2015, was not included in the pro line-up, announced on Monday 10th June.
Taking to Instagram to share a lengthy statement about his Strictly exit, the dancer wrote: 'To my fans and followers, Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media.
'As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.'
He continued: 'I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
'I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – you messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name.' (sic)
Rumours that Giovanni had quit the show started to circulate last month, and although the dancer never directly mentioned if he was staying or leaving the show, he did break his silence on the rumours, releasing a statement on social media on 18th May, writing: '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)
This year's Strictly pro line-up has now been announced to include 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.
Giovanni joined Strictly Come Dancing back in 2015 and has reached the final several times, including with Laura Whitmore in 2026, Debbie mCGee in 2017 and Steps singer Faye Tozer in 2018.
In 2021, Giovanni won the competition with the show's first ever deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Last year, Giovanni was paired with Amanda Abbington, but she withdrew from the competition due to 'medical reasons', later revealing she'd suffered from PTSD from the show.
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.
Now read:
BBC bosses confirm Giovanni Pernice WON'T feature on Strictly 2024
Strictly Come Dancing reveals 2024 professional dancers
Strictly Come Dancing 2024: All of the rumoured celebrities