Giovanni Pernice has revealed who he wants to win Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer, 33, stepped back from the BBC Latin and ballroom show before this year’s competition kicked off after bullying allegations from his former partner Amanda Abbington.
Giovanni was cleared of ten out of Amanda’s 16 allegations when the BBC probe concluded in September but remained absent for the current edition of the series.
On Saturday, the pro took to Instagram to reveal that he is backing JLS singer JB Gill and Lauren Oakley for the Glitterball Trophy.
He said: ‘Good luck to this fantastic duo tonight ! but especially to Our dancing queen @laurenmayoakley.’
Lauren was drafted in as a replacement for Amy Dowden, who had to quit the series mid-way through the series because of a foot injury.
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Giovanni Pernice has revealed who he wants to win Strictly Come Dancing following his axing earlier this year
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The dancer, 33, stepped back from the BBC Latin and ballroom show before this year’s competition kicked off after bullying allegations from Amanda Abbington (pictured)
This year marked her return to the programme after a year-long absence as she underwent breast cancer treatment.
JB and Lauren are fighting it out against comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell as well as Miranda star Sarah hadland and Vito Coppola.
Following his abrupt exit from the programme, Giovanni went on to appear on the Italian version of Strictly.
Just days ago, his comeback in the UK was announced as it was revealed that he will be appearing alongside a host of other TV stars in a new show for Channel 4.
Despite bosses finding Giovanni was not threatening or physically abusive, it did uphold some of Amanda’s complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
The BBC also agreed with Amanda at times he appeared to be giving her overly negative feedback.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for Giovanni said: ‘We are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni.
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Giovanni took to social media amid the grand final of Strictly to share his support for JLS star JB Gill and his professional partner Lauren Oakley
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Lauren (pictured) was drafted in as a replacement for Amy Dowden, who had to quit the series mid-way through the series because of a foot injury
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Since being axed from Strictly Come Dancing, Giovanni has gone on to appear on Dancing with the Stars in Italy (pictured with Bianca Guaccero in November 2024)
‘Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.’
Sources have told MailOnline Amanda’s bullying claims amounted to Giovanni swearing at her and not giving her enough feedback during their rehearsal sessions which took place last autumn. She also claimed that her partner stepped on her toe.
One said: ‘Giovanni has never tried to say he isn’t a hard taskmaster but he isn’t a bully and no evidence of that was found.
‘It was an evidence based investigation and there was simply no evidence to back up what she was saying about Giovanni. He denied it all along and he has now been exonerated.’
Sources close to the Sicilian heart-throb Giovanni say that he spent much time trying to counsel Amanda, who would admit herself that she was a ‘nightmare.’
