Strictly Come Dancing is risking a “raft of complaints” over a potential return of Giovanni Pernice, a report has claimed.
The 34-year-old Italain dancer was a professional on the long-running BBC show from 2015 until his controversial exit earlier this year. As has been well documented, Giovanni came under fire after his 2023 celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington, 50, accused him of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace – accusations he always denied.
While an investigation by the BBC ultimately cleared Giovanni of the accusations against him – but also upheld some of Amanda’s arguments – he had already exited Strictly under a cloud. However, he has teased he would be open to returning to the show, telling ITV’s Lorraine earlier this year: “Never say never”.
Now a report has suggested that some executives at Strictly are nervous for how events could unfold in the future as the show has never expressly stated if Giovanni would be welcomed back or not. There is said to be concern behind-the-scenes of the show that a definitive answer won’t be made which could end speculation one way or the other.
Giovanni teased his return on Lorraine earlier this year (
Image:
ITV)
A source told The Sun: “Giovanni has made it obvious he’d love to return to Strictly one day. He maintains he did nothing wrong and he misses being a part of the programme. He’s done well on the Italian version. But it’s nothing compared to the UK one.
“However the chances of Gio ever being invited back are very, very slim. He’s still got friends and supporters within Strictly. But the BBC are keen to move into 2025 by drawing a line under the scandals of the past.”
The report went on to suggest there could be a backlash if the BBC did suggest Giovanni could one day return following the allegations made by Amanda. The source claimed: “If they invited Giovanni back it risks sparking a whole new raft of complaints from her side. The pressure is therefore really growing on the BBC to just say one way or another what’s happening.” The Mirror has contacted representatives of Giovanni and the BBC for comment.
Earlier this week it was revealed that fans in the UK will soon see Giovanni back on screens after he landed a role in a Channel 4 reality show. A Stand Up To Cancer special episode of Celebrity Hunted has been filmed which will show Giovanni and fellow Strictly professional Kai Widdrington on the run from a team of specialist hunters.
The episode was reportedly filmed last year and is expected to air on Channel 4 next month. Meanwhile, fans of the dancer back in his native Italy have been able to watch him waltz through the 2024 season of Ballando con le Stelle – the Italian version of Strictly. He has been paired with presenter and actress Bianca Guaccero and they have so far made it to the semi finals.
