He was forced out of Strictly Come Dancing after his former dance partner Amanda Abbington made a series of bullying allegations against him.
But fans will be thrilled to learn that they will see Giovanni Pernice back on the BBC One dance show next month – despite Ms Abbington’s attempts for him to be cancelled from it.
The Mail on Sunday can reveal that, far from being erased from its rich history, Mr Pernice will be one of the Strictly stars celebrated in the forthcoming 20th anniversary programme.
It is unlikely that Ms Abbington, 52, will make an appearance, with one Strictly insider pointing out that she was only one of 250 or so celebrities who have taken part – and she quit before the end.
Bosses were particularly insistent that Mr Pernice be given a starring role in the special episode, which is due to be aired on December 21, because he won a Bafta for its Must-See Moment – his and deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis‘s powerful silent dance to Clean Bandit’s Symphony in 2021.
The moment was seen by more than ten million viewers and received 2.1 million views on YouTube.
His appearance could also pave the way for his return to the show as a professional dancer as early as next year, though it is understood Ms Abbington is against this.
A BBC insider said: ‘Given his impact, particularity for the Bafta win – which was voted for by the public – it is only the obtuse who would think that Giovanni should not be included in the 20th-year reflections in some form.
Giovanni Pernice will back on the BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing show next month
It is unlikely that Amanda Abbington, will make an appearance, with one Strictly insider pointing out that she was only one of 250 or so celebrities who have taken part
His appearance could also pave the way for his return to the show as a professional dancer as early as next year, though it is understood Ms Abbington is against this
Although BBC producers are still putting the show together, it is unlikely that Mr Pernice, 34 – who insists he did not bully Ms Abbington – will be able to watch
Bosses were particularly insistent that Mr Pernice be given a starring role in the special episode, which is due to be aired on December 21, because he won a Bafta for its Must-See Moment – his and deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis ‘s powerful silent dance to Clean Bandit’s Symphony in 2021. Pictured: Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice
‘Giovanni has made an immense impact on Strictly and will absolutely not be erased from Strictly Come Dancing’s history.
‘What he and Rose did was incredible and just because Amanda has come along and made allegations, many of which were not upheld, does not change that.
‘Strictly’s bosses love Gio, they feel strongly about what happened, and they see it is as only right that he is celebrated.
‘Amanda may have met with the BBC recently, when she aired her views about Giovanni and the show, but Strictly still adores Gio and its bosses know that viewers will be thrilled to see him back.’
Although BBC producers are still putting the show together, it is unlikely that Mr Pernice, 34 – who insists he did not bully Ms Abbington – will be able to watch.
On the same night, he will be taking part in the grand finale of Ballando con le Stelle – the Italian version of Strictly – which he is tipped to win with his actress partner Bianca Guaccero, 43.
Social media figures obtained by The Mail on Sunday show that the pair are way ahead of their rivals across all social media platforms.
They are getting twice as many votes on Facebook and X – formerly known as Twitter – than the second-placed couple and more than a third more on Instagram.
The BBC gave Ballando con le Stelle bosses the green light to sign Mr Pernice, despite the investigation into Ms Abbington’s bullying claims still being live.
In September, the BBC upheld six out of 17 of Ms Abbington’s claims – and the Sicilian was cleared of her most serious allegations.