Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice is said to be considering a huge TV comeback after losing his spot on the BBC dance competition due to the ongoing allegations made by Amanda Abbington.
Abbington quit the British dance series after just five weeks with Pernice and claimed she had PTSD from their training time together, before enlisting the help of law firm Carter Ruck.
The BBC is also investigating the complaints against Pernice, scouring years of footage during rehearsals featuring the dancer, after three more former partners are said to be making a claim against him.
Pernice continues to vehemently deny the claims made against him, and noted that he was willing to do what it takes and is cooperating with the BBC fully to “clear my name”.
It has been reported that the Latin and Ballroom champion – who “rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour” – is now preparing to make a huge TV comeback and begin a new role on Dancing with the Stars.
In a tactical move that he hopes will give him the chance to carry on performing, a source told the Mail Online: “Giovanni is in advanced talks to join the Italian version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars.
Giovanni could be set to join Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing
RAI1
“Bosses are really keen to sign him as a judge given his fame and status in the UK but are also open to the dancer performing as a professional if he still wants to compete.
“It’s a great move for Giovanni, who has weighed up the possibility of doing shows like I’m A Celeb, but dance will always be his passion. All he wants is a fresh start and joining Dancing with the Stars in Italy will certainly give him the new chapter he’s been hoping for.”
GB News has contacted Pernice’s representatives for a comment.
Joining the cast will be his first big role since his Strictly departure, and will follow the likes of former co-star Vito Coppola who won the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, in 2021.
Vito won Ballando con le Stelle in 2021
BBC
Legal firm Carter Ruck confirmed it had contacted the BBC regarding “numerous serious complaints” about Pernice’s alleged behaviour while filming Strictly – leaving Pernice to hire London-based legal firm Schillings.
Pernice recently released a second statement regarding the allegations and told his Instagram followers: “To my fans and followers. Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media. As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.
“The latest accusations are simply false. I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
“I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you for your continued support – your messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni.” (sic)
Giovanni was axed from the show after Amanda’s claims
BBC
Returning to the show for the female professionals are Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
For the men, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, and Vito Coppola will also be back.