Giovanni Pernice ‘set to feature in Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th anniversary special’

Giovanni Pernice is reportedly set to feature in the upcoming 20th anniversary special of Strictly Come Dancing.

The beloved BBC programme has been engulfed in scandal over the last year, following allegations against Pernice, 34, by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington, who quit Strictly last year after five weeks.

The broadcaster recently released its findings of a months-long investigation into his conduct on the programme, and issued an apology to Sherlock actress Abbington, 53, while upholding some of her complaints, and clearing the Italian pro dancer of the most serious allegations.

The review into Abbington’s complaints about her Strictly professional dance partner was launched earlier this year, and Pernice, who is not part of this year’s Strictly professional dancing line-up and has since joined an Italian dance show, previously rejected ‘any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour’.

It’s since been rumoured Pernice could appear on the likes of I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Hunted.

Now it’s been claimed he could also make an appearance for Strictly’s one-off special, marking the huge anniversary.

The episode is due to air in December, with claims it will include ‘iconic performances and familiar faces past and present’, which could include footage from Pernice’s 2021 performance with Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The former Strictly pairing won the competition that year, and a Bafta for their silent dance.

A source told The Sun: ‘Giovanni made history when he won with Rose so footage from their emotional silent performance is set to feature.’

The BBC has yet to confirm or deny whether Pernice could appear in person, as speculation continues to swirl, with a spokesperson telling the publication: ‘Editorial decisions about what the final show will include haven’t been finalised yet.’

This comes after Pernice declared ‘I’m back baby’ as he announced his 2025 UK tour.

He’s also making a big return with  Strictly judge Anton Du Beke, as they’re hitting the road for their 2025 Together Again tour, which kicks off in June.

In his previous response to the BBC probe’s result, Pernice recently said in an Instagram post he was ‘happy’ he had been cleared of the serious allegations after a ‘difficult’ few months.

He said in a video to fans: ‘Six months, seven months of all of this, seven months of reading everyday things in the newspaper and not being able to respond because I wanted to keep the confidentiality and the privacy of the review, was a difficult time.

‘It was difficult because reading stuff that was untrue, wasn’t the nicest time of my life, let’s be honest.

‘But today I’m happy because at the beginning there were very very serious allegations thrown out at me but as of today, none of the serious allegations have been upheld.’

He went on: ‘I have to be honest with all of you because without your love, your messages, your support, your constant support, I don’t know if I would be able to even make this message right now.

‘I’m happy because today I can carry on to do what I was born to do, and I love to do which is entertain all of you.

‘This is my life, this is what I do, so I’m always grateful to all of you and just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, and saying that I love you all and always, always thank you.’

Metro.co.uk has approached the BBC and Giovanni Pernice’s rep for comment.