Giovanni Pernice's huge TV comeback revealed alongside co-star and Loose Women legend after Strictly scandal
Giovanni Pernice is returning to British TV as a contestant on Celebrity Hunted following his exit from Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer left Strictly earlier this year after the BBC 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.
Giovanni rejected "any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour" made against him and in September, a spokesperson for the dancer said that he was "pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence" of such behaviour. They added: "Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season."
READ MORE: I’m A Celeb star reveals gruesome injury never seen on camera
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing pro 'pleased' after star is axed and won't appear in final
Now, the former Strictly star is back on TV to compete on Celebrity Hunted, taking part in the reality show 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.
Teasing the upcoming series, Channel 4 said that the celebrities must "evade capture for 14 days" while the Hunters "throw all their resources at catching them". The broadcaster continued: "The Hunters are handpicked team of police and military personnel, are armed with the powers of the state – CCTV and ANPR cameras, helicopters, drones, dogs, media campaigns and the latest in cyber forensic technology. Can these celebrity fugitives escape the glare of the spotlight and remain under the radar?"
The series will mark Giovanni's big return to British TV, with the professional dancer having moved to Italy to take part in the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing - Ballando con le Stelle. Last month, Giovanni confirmed that he is now dating his celebrity partner on the Italian show, Bianca Guaccero, 43.
The 34-year-old said on the series: "Bianca is my priority. She has been my priority from the beginning. She is still my priority today and will be until the end of the show and beyond."
Celebrity Hunted airs on Sunday 5th January at 9pm on Channel 4.
