Giovanni Pernice set to return for Strictly 20th anniversary special weeks after BBC ‘bullying’ probe
GIOVANNI Pernice could return for a Strictly 20th anniversary one-off special — just weeks after a BBC probe into his behaviour towards Amanda Abbington upheld six of her complaints.
The episode, due to air in December on BBC1, is set to include “iconic performances and familiar faces past and present” in the look back at the show’s history.
It means Giovanni, 34, is likely to be seen in footage from 2021 dancing with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf contestant to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
A source said: “Giovanni made history when he won with Rose so footage from their emotional silent performance is set to feature.”
Viewers are even speculating that the dance pro could appear in person for the show — which the BBC refused to confirm or deny yesterday.
Giovanni quit in May after nine years on Strictly as he faced allegations over his training methods with previous celebrity partners — including 50-year-old actress Amanda.
She departed last year’s show in week six, citing medical reasons, but later accused Giovanni of bullying.
The BBC’s five-month investigation, which was published last month, cleared Giovanni of ten of the 16 allegations made against him.
But it found instances of him using “belittling” language towards her, and the Beeb apologised to Amanda.
It is not thought that fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima will make an appearance on the special after he was sacked in July over allegations he kicked celeb partner Zara McDermott.
A BBC spokesman said: “Editorial decisions about what the final show will include haven’t been finalised yet.”