Giovanni Pernice hopes to 'go back to Strictly' after BBC scandal with plan to copy co-star's return
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Giovanni Pernice wants to return to Strictly Come Dancing after he was suspended from the show amid a BBC abuse scandal. The 34-year-old pro dancer was axed from Strictly after his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington made a complaint about his conduct - which was partially upheld following an investigation. He eventually left completely to join the Italian version of the programme, Ballando con le Stelle.
In a new interview with the Mail on Sunday, he said that he would like to return to the show, just like his former co-star Aljaž Škorjanec did. Aljaž left the show in 2022 to focus on being a father, following claims of an altercation with a fellow female professional dancer which he denies, before returning last year.
While Giovanni found success on his home turf - winning the competition in Italy and finding love with professional partner Bianca Guaccero - he admitted that he is keen to get back on UK screens. Although he's not sure producers want him back. The star confessed that he believes the BBC has "closed the book", although he credits Strictly with changing his life. Despite his eagerness to return to the BBC, he says the decision is not his "choice".
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Giovanni said: “Everybody has moved on. Maybe I might come back in a few years like Alijaz. I think this is the path we take. And don’t forget, I’m the reigning Italian champion.”. Following his "difficult year", Giovanni said that winning the Italian show with his now-girlfriend Bianca made him realise he had "got through it". He likened his experience to a "bad dream", adding that his parents "worried so much" about him when he was in the thick of the BBC probe into his conduct.
