Giovanni Pernice returns to screens for Strictly special following bullying probe

Giovanni Pernice on ITV's Lorraine
-Credit: (Image: ITV)


Giovanni Pernice has been seen on Strictly Come Dancing for the first time this year, following his departure from the BBC show after the network began an investigation into claims of alleged misconduct by his former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington.

The BBC found in September that after a six month investigation, it "upheld some, but not all" of Amanda's complaints about Giovanni's behaviour during their time on Strictly's 2023 series. The Sherlock star alleged that she was subject to a "toxic environment" and an "ongoing litany of being verbally abused, sexual innuendo, sexual gestures" from Giovanni - who denied the allegations. However, the show has a special episode airing next week (21 December) to mark it's 20th anniversary, and the episode features Giovanni.

Giovanni and Rose Ayling-Ellis
His 2021 silent dance with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis features in the anniversary special -Credit:Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

A trailer for the show played during Saturday evening's final of Strictly, which saw Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell reign victorious. During the trailer, a clip of the Italian dancer performing his ground-breaking silent dance with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 played. The dance was a first in Strictly history and made a strong impact on viewers as they experienced a slice of what Rose, who is deaf, does every day.

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It is not known whether Giovanni has returned for any other sections of the anniversary special. However, the show does also feature couples who found love on Strictly thanks to the show's infamous 'curse'. Amongst those featured are Stacey Dooley and her fiance Kevin Clifton and YouTuber Joe Sugg with Dianne Buswell.

Strictly has been running since 2004, with the anniversary show described as a “sparkling celebration of two decades of Strictly”.

Giovanni Pernice and Kai Widdrington are taking part in Celebrity Hunted
Giovanni Pernice and Kai Widdrington are taking part in Celebrity Hunted

Since leaving the competition, Giovanni has been appearing on the Italian version of Dancing With The Stars, Ballando con le Stelle, but is making another comeback to British television in 2025. The former Strictly star is taking part in Celebrity Hunted alongside fellow dancer Kai Widdrington. The series, filmed by Channel 4 in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, will see Giovanni and Kai attempt to outrun an elite team of Hunters alongside five other famous pairs.

Channel 4 announced that the series will return in January, with Loose Women's Denise Welch taking part with her husband Lincoln Townley, Blue's Duncan James teaming up with Christine McGuinness and Celebrity Big Brother's Zeze Millz signing up with podcaster David Whitely. EastEnders star Danielle Harold is also taking on the challenge alongside Corrie's Kimberly Hart-Simpson, as well as news anchors Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini.