Giovanni Pernice fuels Strictly comeback rumours as he reunites with former co-star for big new gig
GIOVANNI Pernice has sparked rumours he could be making a Strictly comeback after reuniting with his former ballroom co-stars.
The Italian dancer has landed a brand new gig alongside some very familiar faces from the BBC dancing contest.
Confirming his new role on Instagram today, Gio revealed that he and Lauren Oakley would be performing together at live events around the country.
Titled Dancing with the Stars weekends, many Strictly stars perform with one another in order to teach and coach members of the public how to dance.
Gio has been involved in the special events before but this will mark his first UK-based role since the probe into his conduct with previous celeb partner, Amanda Abbington.
Confirming his role online, Giovanni wrote: “I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’ll be joining the amazing team at @donaheys for some fabulous Dancing with the Stars Weekends this year!
“And to make it even better – I’ll be partnered with the fabulous @laurenmayoakley
“We can’t wait to hit the dance floor with all of you, whether you’re stepping into your first dance class or already a seasoned dancer – come join us for an unforgettable weekend of fun and some serious dancing!
“It’s always such an incredible experience – we get to dance, teach, and perform for you! Let’s bring the passion, the energy, and of course, the fun!”
His new dancing role comes after he admitted he was keen to expand into other areas – including singing and acting.
In an interview with the Sunday Mirror, he explained the potential new career move as he revealed he wants to try out acting and singing – making him a triple threat alongside his dancing skills.
He said: “That’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but obviously English is not my first language, so we have to see.
“I need to go to English school first of all to learn English properly.”
He added: “And I like to sing too, so maybe some singing lesson to improve my singing.”
The new career direction comes after 2024 was a hard year for Giovanni, which saw him dropped from Strictly amid an investigation after Amanda accused Giovanni of bullying her, leading to her early exit from the 2023 series.
Giovanni denied all allegations, with the investigation by the BBC seeing them uphold six of the 17 complaints against him.
Whilst Giovanni was cleared of being physically abusive to the Sherlock actress, he stresses that it made last year ‘a dark year’.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.