Giovanni Pernice: Strictly Come Dancing star will not return to show, BBC confirms
The BBC has verified that Giovanni Pernice will not make a reappearance in the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Italian dancer, who is 33 years old, has been a part of the BBC One primetime show for a duration of nine years.
It was reported that he won't be competing, and as a result, he wasn't named as one of the professional dancers in the show's 2024 lineup.
Pernice has denied the accusations that he acted in an aggressive or intimidating manner in his capacity as a professional dancer on the program, after several grievances were raised about his behavior.
A group of people who have filed a complaint have hired a law firm to represent them. The law firm has stated that the TV channel is currently collecting evidence related to the complaint, but the TV channel has not yet confirmed if they have started an investigation.
According to a press release by Carter-Ruck law firm, the BBC has received several grave grievances and is currently collecting evidence.
"As the issue is still ongoing, we cannot provide any additional remarks at this time."
The Sun was the initial source to disclose that an inquiry was in progress, and they stated that Pernice had exited the program.
During his initial year on the program, Pernice, hailing from Sicily, made it to the ultimate round with Georgia May Foote, a celebrity from Coronation Street.
In 2023, he was previously partnered with Amanda Abbington, who starred in Sherlock. However, she withdrew from the competition due to "personal reasons".
Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis won the Strictly glitterball trophy in 2021. Ayling-Ellis, who is deaf, was the first deaf contestant to win.
He made it to the finals in 2017 when he was partnered with Debbie McGee and in 2018 with Faye Tozer.
Pernice has attained the Guinness World Record for the highest number of jive kicks and flicks in just half a minute. This feat was accomplished in the year 2016 on the BBC program Strictly It Takes Two.
During the month of May, Pernice expressed shock at accusations made in the media regarding his teaching approach to dance. He affirmed that his public persona on the show has been one of intense dedication and competitiveness.
He continued, "I am the most driven person when it comes to my dance partners' ambitions. My goal has always been to aid them in becoming the most exceptional dancers possible."
I have always had a deep fondness and a strong desire to triumph, both for myself and my dance partners.
Pernice expressed his anticipation in proving his innocence.
The upcoming season of Strictly will feature some familiar faces in the world of dancing. One such example is Amy Dowden, who had to bow out from last year's edition due to her diagnosis with stage three breast cancer. Another dancer slated to make a comeback is Vito Coppola, who emerged victorious in 2023 and partnered with Ellie Leech from Coronation Street to lift the coveted trophy.
