Giovanni has admitted he’s still ‘upset’ after being suspended from Strictly, adding he wants to follow in his former co-star Aljaž Škorjanec’s footsteps and return to the show
Giovanni Pernice wants to return to Strictly Come Dancing after he was suspended from the show amid a BBC abuse scandal.
The 34-year-old pro dancer was axed from Strictly after his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington made a complaint about his conduct – which was partially upheld following an investigation. He eventually left completely to join the Italian version of the programme, Ballando con le Stelle.
In a new interview with the Mail on Sunday, he said that he would like to return to the show, just like his former co-star Aljaž Škorjanec did. Aljaž left the show in 2022 to focus on being a father, following claims of an altercation with a fellow female professional dancer which he denies, before returning last year.
While Giovanni found success on his home turf – winning the competition in Italy and finding love with professional partner Bianca Guaccero – he admitted that he is keen to get back on UK screens. Although he’s not sure producers want him back.
The star confessed that he believes the BBC has “closed the book”, although he credits Strictly with changing his life. Despite his eagerness to return to the BBC, he says the decision is not his “choice”.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Giovanni said: “Everybody has moved on. Maybe I might come back in a few years like Alijaz. I think this is the path we take. And don’t forget, I’m the reigning Italian champion.”
Following his “difficult year”, Giovanni said that winning the Italian show with his now-girlfriend Bianca made him realise he had “got through it”. He likened his experience to a “bad dream”, adding that his parents “worried so much” about him when he was in the thick of the BBC probe into his conduct.
The dancer insisted he isn’t angry at BBC bosses and recalled an emotional meeting to discuss the findings of the review, admitting it was “nice” to have the opportunity to speak to his colleagues again. The review found that there was “no aggression and nothing criminal”, although he admits shouting and saying “the same words”.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror earlier this month, Giovanni had some choice words when it came to reflecting on his experience of 2024. Giovanni’s internal investigation was carried out after the Beeb stated they took the claims “very seriously” and reviewed all evidence. The investigation took some time due to its “complex nature” and to ensure a “rigorous and robust process” was carried out.
“Sorry for my language but 2024 can f**k off. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the back of it,” Giovanni said. The dancer went on to add: “I’m not going to lie, there were dark moments in terms of, you know, this is finished, this is the end of my career. That was one of my down moments.”
After investigation was completed, the BBC said: “We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.”
Amanda said that she initially raised her concerns with Strictly producers on the third day of her training and had “many” discussions with bosses. The BBC apologised to Amanda in September after its investigation upheld complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .