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:
Pete Wicks
According to reports in the media in late July, former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has signed up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing! Pete is no stranger to TV, having appeared on the likes of Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and The Real Full Monty in recent years.
Paul Merson
Football legend Paul Merson has reportedly signed to appear on this year's series, following in the footsteps of his former Arsenal team mate Tony Adams.
GK Barry
Social media star GK Barry, also known as Grace Keeling, is rumoured to be in talks for the 2024 series, with bosses eager to bring in a younger audience. According to reports in the media, GK Barry is in 'advanced talks' after two meetings with bosses.
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS host Nick Knowles is also reportedly set to appear on the show this year, having been a huge fan for years.
Nicola Roberts
Following her appearance on the 2022 Christmas special, Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts could be about to sign up for the main show in 2024! Bosses are reportedly very keen to get Nicola on the show, following the success of Girls Aloud's reunion tour earlier this year.
Jill Scott MBE
After being crowned Queen of the Jungle during the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity, former England footballer Jill Scott was heavily rumoured for the 2023 series of Strictly, but after Jill didn't feature, will 2024 be her year?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Sophie Morgan
Loose Women star and TV presenter Sophie Morgan is rumoured to become the first ever wheelchair user to take part in Strictly. A source said: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes. She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It's still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months."
Phillip Schofield
Rumours have circulated that Phillip Schofield could be taking to the Strictly dancefloor for years, but since his departure from This Morning after 21 years, they've stepped up a notch - with publications reporting that offers have been more "aggressive" this year than for previous series of the show.
Gino D'Acampo
He's loved by the masses, so it's no surprise Strictly bosses are keen to get TV chef Gino D'Acampo on the 2024 series. Gino has been asked to do the show in the past, but he turned the offer down. Will he accept this year?
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux appeared on The Jonathan Ross show last year, where he said: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Now we would pay to see that - sign him up!
Rosie Jones
Comedian and actress Rosie Jones recently admitted watching deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis win the series in 2021 inspired her.
Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV.
"In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me!"
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely confessed a few years ago he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox in 2021, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly in the past. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf revealed last year she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Helen Worth
After announcing in June that she's leaving Coronation Street after an amazing 50 years, betting odds are high that actress Helen Worth could sign up for the show! However, as Helen is currently filming her Corrie exit scenes, it seems the 2025 series could be more practical.
Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley confessed in July last year he'd love to take part in Strictly, admitting he'd love the chance to learn how to dance properly. He'd be a great signing for 2024!
Martin Roberts
Homes Under the Hammer host Martin Roberts is rumoured to be appearing after he told the Daily Mail newspaper at an awards ceremony: "I'm like a Ninja Mutant Hero Turtle - I just eat pizzas. Domino's Mighty Meat. I'm the stomach of Domino's, not the face of it.
"I should worry about what I eat because I had a health scare. I need to look after myself better. And certainly if I get this TV show later in the year. I'll have to get super fit."
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times: "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz
According to reports in early 2024, Strictly bosses were keen to make history on the show by signing up married couple Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz to both appear! The rumours are suggesting David and Victoria Beckham's son Brooklyn will be in direct competition with his wife Nicole. Now this would be a huge signing if bosses can pull it off!
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
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Strictly Come Dancing 2024: All of the rumoured celebrities