Giovanni Pernice has reportedly quit Strictly Come Dancing, despite the BBC being keen to keep him on the show. The 33-year-old Italian dancer has faced allegations over his tough training methods from former celebrity partners, including actress Amanda Abbington.
An internal memo listing this year's professional dancers has been circulated without his name, and sources say he is seeking a fresh start on other TV projects. A BBC spokesperson said: 'The Professional Dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course.'
Pernice's exit follows tensions with Abbington, 52, his partner in the 2023 series. She left after five weeks, citing medical reasons, and later revealed she had been diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder. Allegations from other former partners then emerged.
A source told The Sun: 'Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start. He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he's achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final four times.'
Pernice has maintained he is a perfectionist but not a bully. In March, he told the Mirror: 'I am a perfectionist, 100%, but it comes from a perspective of caring.' The BBC had previously supported him, with a source saying they saw him as a key face of the show.
His final appearance on Strictly was with Abbington, who has reportedly requested backstage footage of their training sessions, potentially for legal action. Pernice is now said to be focusing on other exciting projects.
