Giovanni Pernice 'delighted' as he joins Italy's Strictly Come Dancing after BBC exit

Virgin Radio

8 Sep 2024, 09:48

Giovanni Pernice has announced he will be joining the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing after his shock exit from the BBC earlier this year. 

The professional dancer has been at the centre of an investigation following accusations of “abusive behaviour” in the training room from his former Strictly partner, Amanda Abbington.   

Pernice has continued to deny these allegations and has been cooperating with the investigation, but ultimately left the BBC and was axed from the upcoming 22nd season of Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year. 

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Now, he has announced a new venture. 

Taking to Instagram, Pernice told fans that he would be back on the dancefloor once again in the Italian version of the show.

In the caption, he wrote: “Hey guys !! I’m delighted to announce that from next week I will be joining the cast of @ballandoconlestelle - the Italian Dancing with the Stars. I can’t wait to get started and to get back to dancing for all of you! Thank you for all of your continued support!”

Friends of the dancer took to the comments to congratulate him on the new job, with former dance partner and Drag Race UK host, Michelle Visage, writing: “Go win and DON’T VOGUE.”

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham also said: “Buona fortuna Bello! Xxxx”

Fans of Pernice were equally as delighted to hear that he would be back on the small screen, with one commenting: “So chuffed for you, will miss you on our screens but hope I can get to watch it somehow. But they are so lucky to have you @giovannipernice 😍😍”.

Another said: “Italy is lucky to have you back, Giovanni and all of us strictly fans in the UK are gutted you’re not with us. You are such an amazing dancer and person, and I’m glad you’re back doing what you love. 🕺🏼🎶🎶🕺🏼 Italy is blessed xx.”

The BBC investigation into Giovanni is ongoing, but it is expected to conclude before the new season of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on 14th September.