GIOVANNI Pernice’s huge career move is being celebrated by an A-list pal and a former Strictly dance partner.
Last night the dancer revealed he will star in the next series of the Italian version of Strictly – Ballando con le Stelle – four months after he quit the English version amid an investigation into his conduct in the rehearsal room.
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The news was cheered by Michelle Visage, who danced with Giovanni in 2019. She commented: “Go win and DON’T VOGUE.”
Ted Lasso star and Strictly fan Hannah Waddingham wrote: “Buona fortuna Bello! Xxxx”
Her comment translates to “good luck, handsome.”
Giovanni delivered his career update in a video to fans on Instagram.
He said: “Hi everyone. It’s me Giovanni. Hope everyone is having a nice rest of the summer. I’m here in Portofino, and I’ve just finished two fantastic weeks with my family.
“But I’m here to give you some exciting news, because I can finally reveal that from next week, I will be joining the cast of Ballando con le stelle, which is the equivalent of Dancing with the Stars, Italian version, of course.
“I’m excited because finally I’m back on the dance floor, and hopefully I will create some new magic on the dance floor.
“So I’m very, very happy about it. Now I have to do the same thing in Italian because there is an Italian audience.”
Fans were delighted with the update, and immediately started asking where they can watch him perform.
“Congratulations 🙌 The BBC’s loss is Italy’s gain. Can we watch it anywhere? Is it streamed? Good luck,” wrote one.
Another wrote: “Congratulations but we’ll miss you”
“Italian lessons for me then! So pleased we will see you on the dance floor again! ❤️❤️❤️,” noted a third.
Moving On
Giovanni’s new job marks a fresh chapter for the Sicilian dancer, who left Strictly Come Dancing in May after nine years as a fan favourite.
During that time, he made the final four times and won once with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
However, he quit as it emerged Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with him in the 2023 series, had lodged a formal complaint to the BBC about his behaviour.
Amanda later said in an interview it was “disastrously unworkable” and suggested some of his comments were “sexually humiliating” in nature.
Giovanni has always maintained his innocence regarding the allegations, and has continued to vow to clear his name.
The probe, which is due to conclude in days.
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The investigation is believed to have cost the BBC thousands of pounds, with another dancer, Graziano Di Prima, later being fired after unearthed video footage of his behaviour towards Zara McDermott in rehearsals was brought forward by a member of staff.
In light of the investigation, the BBC have now put new duty of care protocols in place, including having chaperones in the rehearsal rooms for the celebrities to monitor what goes on.
The series is celebrating its 20th series this year, and will kickstart with their launch show next Saturday night.
