Giovanni Pernice seemed to already have a backup plan months before it came to making his decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing after Amanda Abbington encouraged BBC investigation into his “horrendous” behaviour.
Abbington, who left Strictly during week five of the competition and claimed that she had suffered PTSD from the 33-year-old, demanded to have access to their rehearsal videos and recently said that the professional stamped on her foot.
Since speaking out, many more have come forward to discuss their time with Pernice including Emily Atack, Ranvir Singh and most recently professional dancer Korina Travis.
Pernice has come under fire for his “militant” training style, with the BBC forced to investigate “serious workplace misconduct claims”, leaving three of his celebrity partners to seek legal help.
However, it seems that Pernice already had a backup plan in place before leaving Strictly Come Dancing, setting up two new companies and suggesting he is looking to embark on other dancing opportunities outside of the BBC.
The 2021 winner filed Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House, which relates to the “operation of arts facilities” and could suggest that Pernice is making the move to create his own dance school.
Paul Irving – who produces the Strictly Stars tour – is also said to be joining Pernice on the new venture, with Irving being a member of The Strictly Foundation, set up to “raise funds to place talented youth in stage schools and arts training courses”.
The Latin and Ballroom champion’s second firm is called GP Ballando and will specialise in “cultural education” with former partner Debbie Lee serving as director.
This isn’t the first time that Pernice has turned his hand to something other than dancing as last year he set up his own cosmetics range GP Vita, selling fragrances for men and women.
Whilst many fans will miss seeing him every weekend in the ballroom, some sources have claimed that he is already lining up his next on-screen project which could include ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Giovanni is claimed to have been commissioned for a second series of his BBC series with Anton
BBC
A source told MailOnline: “Giovanni has been under intense pressure and scrutiny following last year’s series of Strictly when Amanda quit. The last thing he wants is for that to continue for him and whoever he could be paired with next so he felt there was no other option but to take a step back from the show.
“His close friendship with Anton Du Beke has made it difficult, he really wants him to stay and tried convincing him to look past everything that’s happened. With I’m A Celeb around the corner, Giovanni would be a dream signing for producers.
“Especially now he’s looking for new opportunities and a way to hopefully show audiences he’s a good guy. The money ITV could offer would be seriously tempting for him too, plus, he loves a challenge.”
Whilst he has stepped away from Strictly, he hasn’t completely cut ties with the BBC as another insider mentioned that the broadcasting company are considering commissioning another travel series with judge Anton Du Beke.
Giovanni seems to have already moved on from Strictly
ITV
His surprise career move comes after Korina Travis stated that he had done “horrendous things to me” during their professional time together, dancing at private functions.
Replying to a comment left underneath one of her Instagram posts, she revealed: “I’ve known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me. I will not speak about my experiences with him but I’m glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is. I’ll leave it at that.”
Elsewhere, a source disclosed that several former dance partners of Pernice’s have been communicating privately and suggested that even more names could come forward.
The source went on to say that the future is unclear for the professional dancer, who vehemently denies any claims of threatening or abusive behaviour and has vowed to “clear his name.”
They revealed: “Numerous celebrities, all former partners of Gio’s, have been in contact with one another behind the scenes. Three women that we know of have come forward, and taken things a step further with legal action.
“But Carter Ruck, the prestigious firm acting on behalf of these stars, has quietly been speaking to one or two other potential claimants. In other words, more names could come out of the woodwork.”
GB News has contacted Pernice’s representatives for a comment.