Giovanni Pernice makes Strictly comeback: Dance star signs for Italian version of the show with BBC still to release result of probe into Amanda Abbington’s claims that he bullied her

Giovanni Pernice will return to work next week after being signed to the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the Italian heart-throb will join Ballando con le Stelle despite the BBC taking their time in revealing the result of the investigation into claims he bullied his former partner, Amanda Abbington.

Giovanni, who profusely denies her allegations, will be unveiled on Sunday as one of its professional dancers and rehearsals begin next week.

Two weeks ago it was feared that the bosses of the Italian show would not sign him due to him not yet being exonerated. 

However, following reports that she has little evidence and her claims being ‘thin’, they have decided to hire him, leaving him overjoyed.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the Italian heart-throb will join Ballando con le Stelle despite the BBC taking their time in revealing the result of the investigation into claims he bullied his former partner, Amanda Abbington 

A source said: ‘Gio is thrilled, he has been hoping that it would happen, he had everything crossed.

‘He is so excited that he can keep on dancing and what makes it all the more lovely is that it will be in his home country.

‘The deadline has been looming and the BBC has been on pause with its result but the Ballando bosses love him, they adore him, and they have now signed him.

‘It is absolutely horrendous for Gio. He has been stuck in limbo and has been unable to move on with his life. It will be a lovely, lovely boost for him.

Ballando con le Stelle launched in 2005 – a year after Strictly began in the UK – and is filmed in a magnificent 19th century theatre at the RAI Auditorium at the Foro Italico in Rome. 

It will mean that he will spend a significant amount of time away from his home in West London this autumn.

‘The change of scenery will do him the world of good.’

Giovanni has vehemently denied Amanda’s claims that the dancer bullied her and she suffered with PTSD after leaving the competition 

Giovanni, who profusely denies her allegations, will be unveiled on Sunday as one of its professional dancers and rehearsals begin next week (Giovanni and Amanda Abington pictured in October 2023)

Following reports that Amanda has little evidence and her claims being ‘thin’, the Italian show have decided to hire him, leaving him overjoyed 

However, Giovanni won’t be starring on I’m A Celeb this year as he now has his dance return.

Mr Pernice joined Strictly in 2014 and became his longest-serving male professional and was much loved by the shows millions of viewers.

But he quit in April after Amanda made an official complaint to the BBC after hiring London law firm Carter-Ruck. Giovanni then hired rival lawyers Schillings.

The Corporation have been investigating Amanda’s claims since and currently there is no sign of a verdict coming.

She accused Giovanni of bruising her foot during in training.

It is now thought he could sue the BBC. One source said: ‘He certainly has the infrastructure in place to sue should he decide to take that route, which right now is a huge possibility.’