Strictly's Giovanni Pernice issues statement after fans asked if he had quit the UK
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has issued his first statement since the new season of Strictly’s live shows started, following his exit from the hit BBC show this summer. The Italian dancer, 34, who is no longer a part of the UK show, addressed fan concerns that he has left the UK for good after speculation about his recent move to Italy.
Giovanni is now starring as a professional in the Italian version of Strictly, called Ballando con le Stelle, where he is paired with Italian actress and TV presenter Bianca Guaccero. The update comes after the dancer's exit from Strictly this summer, following claims made by Amanda Abbington following their pairing in last year’s show. The Sherlock actress alleged that she suffered from PTSD from their training.
Now, speaking out from Italy for the first time since the new Strictly season started without him, Giovanni reassured fans that he ‘hasn’t left the UK at all’.
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In a video posted to Instagram, captioned "Update,” Giovanni explained his current situation from where he is now in Rome and spoke about his new celeb dance partner, saying: “Just a quick update with life in Rome. This week is the week of the first live show, which is very exciting. Bianca's doing very, very well.”
Answering the outpouring of fan question about him leaving the UK, Giovanni said: “I received lots of messages as well, saying, ‘Giovanni, why do you leave the UK?’ I haven’t left the UK at all. In actual fact, I’m back on Sunday for the dance class.”
He also teased his return to UK soil very soon and upcoming projects, adding: “And not just that… I’ll be in the UK throughout October, November, and December as well, and then back on tour in January until July.”
In his video, the dancer reassured fans that despite his commitments in Italy, he remains dedicated to his UK projects. “For now, I’m very excited for Ballando con le Stelle. The dance is going very, very well.”
He signed off the message to his fans by commenting on the Italian weather, saying: “It’s a bit windy, but it’s hot. Sending you lots of love. I love you all.”
Giovanni’s celeb pals were quick to show their support. Michelle Visage, who he was partnered with for Strictly’s 2019 series, commented: “YOU GOT THIS G! GO SHOW THEM!”
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Fans also lent their support, with one writing: “We miss you in the UK… go smash it you deserve it! Look forward to your next dance class x” and another adding, “Strictly is not the same without you Gio, wishing you the best of luck for the live shows there, go and smash it with your lovely partner Bianca, lots of love xx.”
The former Strictly pro initially joined the BBC show in 2015, and won in 2021 when he was partnered with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Elsewhere, following the Strictly's first live show of the year, dancer Karen Hauer has broken her silence over dance partner Paul Merson's performance - after they both objected to the song.
