Giovanni Pernice has been dealt another blow as a second series he was set to star in has been pulled from air over the legal battle he has found himself in.
It was reported last week that the 33-year-old Strictly Come Dancing star’s travel show had been “axed” and it now seems another upcoming TV appearance could also be taken off air.
Pernice’s BBC travel show, which he films alongside Strictly star Anton Du Beke, will reportedly not air on the broadcaster.
Speaking to the Daily Star, a BBC insider said: “Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures In… was a big success, but execs have decided to ditch it.”
Claims that Pernice has been “abusive” behind the scenes of Strictly began last year when his 2023 dance partner Amanda Abbington quit the show following reports of a “feud” with him.
The Italian star was also set to feature in the next series of Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted, but it’s believed this has also been shelved.
The Strictly duo’s travel series has also reportedly been ‘axed’
BBC
The show was filmed last year, and GB News understands Channel 4 has not yet scheduled the series.
“This will be gutting for Gio, as he’s seen himself get increasing amounts of work beyond the dance show,” a source told The Sun.
They continued: “It’s particularly galling as Celebrity Hunted is a programme designed as a fundraising and awareness raising vehicle for their Stand Up 2 Cancer appeal.
“That’s something he very much wanted to be a part of, so it is a huge disappointment to know it probably won’t see the light of day while the investigation is ongoing.”
The choreographer had filmed Celebrity Hunted alongside Strictly co-star Kai Widdrington. The show sees famous faces pair up and go on the run to avoid surveillance hunters and is based on the original series which starred members of the general public.
Abbington has accused Pernice of ‘bullying’ behaviour
BBC
“To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week,” he began in a post on his Instagram.
He continued: “Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
“I have always striven to help them be the very best dancer they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.”