Giovanni Pernice dealt fresh blow to BBC Strictly return hopes just weeks after ‘misconduct’ probe outcome: ‘No way back!’
Giovanni Pernice has faced further bad news following the findings of the BBC probe into his alleged “misconduct” on Strictly Come Dancing.
Pernice made headlines throughout the year following his appearance on last year’s show, where he was partnered with actress Amanda Abbington.
Abbington, 52, made complaints of “misconduct” against the 34-year-old after she opted to leave the show early.
The investigation into the claims only concluded recently, with the BBC upholding six of the 17 allegations made against the Italian dancer.
Pernice broke his lengthy silence recently as he gave an interview on ITV’s Lorraine, making several new admissions.
When asked about returning to the BBC competition, he made a surprise confession as he seemed to consider the idea.
“At the moment, I’m very focused on Dancing with the Stars in Italy,” he told host Christine Lampard.
The choreographer then concluded: “I have a tour then, but who knows – never say never.”
However, it seems Strictly bosses have reportedly quashed any hopes of Pernice returning to the show.
A source has claimed Pernice won’t be allowed to return to the show “ever”.”
While it’s recognised Giovanni remains popular with a lot of Strictly viewers, there is a robust acceptance that he can’t return to the show, ever,” the source told The Sun.
They added: “His time on Strictly is over. There’s no way back for him.
“That’s not a formal punishment, that’s a decision taken at a corporate level, concerned with protecting the reputation of what is a huge Saturday night family show.”
GB News has contacted the BBC for a comment on the reports.
Following his exit, Pernice joined Ballando cone le Stelle, the Strictly equivalent of his home country of Italy, and has distanced himself from the BBC edition despite having starred on Strictly for almost 10 years.
The dancer is enjoying a successful run in the Italian version of the show, and frequent shares updates on social media thanking viewers for their votes and support.
Pernice, who has seemingly refused to acknowledge the current series, broke his silence by offering support to one of the couples on the show as he gave a subtle suggestion of reinforcement to the pair.
It comes dancer Amy Dowden had to pull out of Week Seven, and later exited the series, after she collapsed backstage.
Lauren Oakley was instead drafted in to replace Dowden and dance with her celebrity partner, JB Gill.
JLS star Gill, 37, ended up receiving a near-perfect score of 39 despite the last-minute change of plans, and following the performance the singer took to social media to express his relief.
Along with some snaps of himself, Oakley and Dowden, he penned: “Wow! What a weekend.
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“I just want to say thank you to @lizzie.gough & @mrballchange for making my couples choice dance so special.
“You guys allowed @laurenmayoakley and I to shine brightly for @amy_dowden and do everyone proud.
“To my family and friends and EVERYONE supporting us and voting, you guys are the best and I’m SO HAPPY to continue this amazing journey, whatever challenges it throws at me!”
He concluded the celebratory post: “Still on cloud 9 and grateful to be through to another week.”
Surprisingly, Pernice took the opportunity to break his Strictly boycott and liked the post, demonstrating his support for the trio.
The move could be due to his strong friendship with Oakley, who joined him this year on his solo tour in spite of the controversy he was surrounded by.
