Ex-Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice has spoken out about the likelihood of making a comeback to the beloved BBC series. The dancer “I would love to go back” when quizzed on the possibility of returning.
He chose to exit the 2024 season following allegations by his previous series partner, Amanda Abbington, who accused him of creating a “toxic environment” and engaging in “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”.
The Mr Selfridge star’s grievances led to an investigation, with the Italian firmly denying any “rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”. Nonetheless, a BBC review sustained “some, but not all” of Amanda’s complaints.
It’s understood from the review that certain claims of verbal abuse and harassment were substantiated, although no evidence of physical aggression was found.
Pernice shared his thoughts on a potential return to Strictly with Heat magazine, revealing: “I would love to go back on Strictly but I don’t think they’re going to have me on again.”
He added: “It wasn’t the most pleasant situation for me. I’m very happy that it’s finished and everybody can move on with their lives,” reports the Express.
After the furore, he returned to Italy, where he triumphed in Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of Strictly. During his time on the show, he fell for his dance partner Bianca Guaccero.
Despite the row in the UK, Pernice said he had no second thoughts about joining the Italian show and accepted the offer straightaway.
Giovanni Pernice confessed he had concerns “on a personal level” about his participation in the show after experiencing a fallout with friends amid an investigation. Speaking to Heat, he revealed: “It was nice to be able to have that (positive) communication with people, because once the results of the investigation came out, those people who had left me came back and I was like ‘Hmm, this is not nice’.”
He reflected on the tough times, saying: “You know who your real friends are when you’re at your lowest – and that’s what I missed throughout the whole period.”
Despite feeling “down and lonely” during the ordeal, Giovanni found the resilience to push through in both his personal and professional life.
The dancer is gearing up for his role in The Last Dance stage show, which will see him perform across the UK until May. He mentioned this tour would be his “last tour” before he takes a break, but he quashed any retirement speculation, insisting he’s “too young” to retire.