Giovanni Pernice has been seen teasing fans as the time for him to reveal all edges closer, years on from his dramatic Strictly Come Dancing exit. The professional dancer wasn't invited back to take part in the BBC One dance show after the 2023 series, following an investigation into his behaviour on the show, which was conducted before he was cleared of the most serious allegations.
BBC Investigation and Apology
The BBC apologised to Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, who was his last celebrity partner on the programme, as they upheld some of her complaints against him. However, none of the claims upheld against Giovanni involved physical aggression. The BBC investigated 17 claims and upheld six, clearing Giovanni of the most serious allegations.
Career After Strictly
Giovanni went on to be crowned the winner of the Italian version of Strictly and America's Dancing with the Stars alongside actress and singer Bianca Guaccero, with whom he is now in a relationship, the same year. He spent several years as a pro on Strictly, dancing with Coronation Street's Georgia May Foote, RuPaul Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, and most notably deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, with whom he lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2021. After winning, Giovanni thanked Rose for 'bringing my spark back', adding she 'made all my dreams come true.'
Memoir Announcement
Earlier this year, Giovanni revealed to fans that he will be telling all about his life and career in a new book. He revealed the upcoming release of his memoir and told fans it would address things 'we want to know.' Now, the Italian star has offered an update. Sharing a video to his Instagram page, he could be seen holding a copy of his book, and alongside the post, he wrote: 'I visited my publishers @headlinebooks and for the first time got to hold my book; Taking the Lead - a very very VERY exciting moment for me! I can’t wait for you all to read it, I really can’t, and trust me - you definitely want to read what’s inside [winking face emoji]. Thanks to everybody for your support so far. Taking the Lead is released on the 27th August but if you’d like to pre-order and be one of the first to read it, the link is in my bio. Not long now...'
In the video, Giovanni is also heard saying: 'I just got my first copy of Taking the Lead Now, I've been reading, obviously, I've wrote the whole thing, myself. But now is your time. If you want to pre-order this, there's a link in my bio. I'm telling you, you want to read what's inside. I'm telling you, you want to read what's inside! So, go and pre-order now.'
Giovanni's Statement on Lorraine
Giovanni was not invited back for the show's 2024 series, nor the Christmas special after the BBC made the decision to axe him from the dancefloor. Appearing later on ITV's Lorraine to break his silence, Giovanni admitted the relief he felt towards the claims being dropped. He said at the time: 'I'm happy that the results were positive for me, the allegations thrown out at the beginning were very strong, I'm happy that I can relax. We should all accept what the results say and move on!'
