Giovanni is set to appear on the Italian version of Strictly (Image: PA)
Giovanni Pernice is set to appear on Ballando con le Stelle – the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing – as one of the show’s professional dancers after quitting the UK show in May
BBC bosses allegedly showed their support for Giovanni Pernice’s latest career move
Giovanni has reportedly been deemed ‘not a danger to contestants’ as he embarks on a new chapter with the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing. Before being snapped up by the show, BBC chiefs are said to have made this clear.
Earlier in May, the Sicilian dancer was sacked by Strictly following a complaint regarding his conduct during rehearsals lodged by celebrity Amanda Abbington. The Sherlock star claims she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after working with Giovanni on the show, which she quit just weeks into the series. Giovanni has strenuously denied all allegations made against him and claims that the ongoing BBC investigation into the claims will help clear his name.
With an ongoing investigation into the allegations brought forth by Abbington, the dancer was said to be overjoyed about signing up for the Italian version of the programme. Pernice is now gracing Ballando con le Stelle with Bianca Guaccero, joining their ranks as the latest pro dancer.
Giovanni faced allegations about his behaviour in the training room, which he has denied ( Image: BBC)
An inside source confided to the Daily Mail, “Of course, he wanted to take part in Ballando. He loves dancing but there was a question mark hanging over his head regarding his conduct.” The BBC decided that was absolutely unfair and made the decision to intervene and give him a clean bill of health. There is no way they would have done that if they had any worries about his behaviour. It tells you all you need to know, really.”
He is said to be hopeful that he and his celebrity partner Bianca will dance all the way to the final of Ballando con le Stelle (Dancing With The Stars). Sources claimed the dancer and Bianca want to do their best and are “getting along great in training.” A friend said: “Gio is so pleased that he has been able to get back to doing his thing, it’s testament to his strength of character. He could have buckled at any moment but he carried on and now he really wants to win.”
Bianca has also expressed her excitement after being partnered with Giovanni and hinted that she would be up for visiting London with Giovanni in the near future. He recently took to social media, sharing a snap of himself and Bianca in rehearsals for the competition and they appear to be great friends. Captioning his upload, he wrote: “Sweaty but… happy, loaded, willing to give their best and ready to make you have fun and dream! September 28 is getting closer. Are you ready to support us?”
Meanwhile, BBC boss Tim Davie has said the Strictly Come Dancing investigation outcome is “pretty close” but he did not commit to publishing the overall findings. It was expected that an outcome would be reached by the time the 2024 series of the dancing show began, but this did not happen.
