Giovanni Pernice releases statement after Strictly 'quit' rumours
Gio has broken his silence
Last updated 20th May 2024
He's been a popular figure on the show since joining the cast in 2015, but it sounds like professional dancer Giovanni Pernice's time may be up on Strictly Come Dancing, as rumours are rife he's quit the show.
According to reports in the media last week, the 33-year-old Italian has decided to step away from the popular show in order to focus on other TV opportunities, with rumours suggesting an internal memo was sent around to the other dancers, which didn't include his name.
What has Giovanni said?
Although he hasn't directly mentioned if he's staying or leaving the show, Giovanni has now broken his silence, releasing a statement on social media.
He wrote: 'To my dear fans. You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
'Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
'Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
'I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners.
'Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!
'Giovanni'. (sic)
Is he leaving Strictly?
Following reports last week that Giovani had 'quit' the show, Strictly bosses told OK! Magazine: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."
When did Giovanni join Strictly?
Giovanni first joined Strictly Come Dancing back in 2015, when he was paired with Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote. The pair made it all the way to the final, finishing as runners-up.
After being paired with Laura Whitmore in 2016, Giovanni then made the final again in 2017, alongside celebrity partner Debbie McGee, with the pair finishing in second place.
Despite making it to the final for the third time in four years in 2018 with Steps singer Faye Tozer, the pair lost out on the Glitterball Trophy to Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.
After being paired with Michelle Visage in 2019 and Ranvir Singh in 2020, Giovanni finally won the show in 2021, alongside the show's first ever deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis. The pair delighted fans with their professional chemistry on the dancefloor, receiving the earliest 40/40 score from the judges.
In 2022, Giovanni was involved in an all-male partnership on the show, alongside Richie Anderson, before teaming up with Amanda Abbington for last year's series. Amanda withdrew from the competition at the half-way stage due to 'medical reasons', before later revealing she'd suffered with PTSD from the show.
Since the last series, a number of Giovanni's past partners have spoken about their 'experiences' with the dancer, but no official complaints were lodged against him, and he's always defended himself.
Check out all of this year's rumours for Strictly Come Dancing:
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz
According to reports in early 2024, Strictly bosses are keen to make history on the show by signing up married couple Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz to both appear! The rumours are suggesting David and Victoria Beckham's son Brooklyn will be in direct competition with his wife Nicole. Now this would be a huge signing if bosses can pull it off!
Jill Scott MBE
After being crowned Queen of the Jungle during the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity, former England footballer Jill Scott was heavily rumoured for the 2023 series of Strictly, but after Jill didn't feature, will 2024 be her year?
Phillip Schofield
Rumours have circulated that Phillip Schofield could be taking to the Strictly dancefloor for years, but since his departure from This Morning after 21 years, they've stepped up a notch - with publications reporting that offers have been more "aggressive" this year than for previous series of the show.
Gino D'Acampo
He's loved by the masses, so it's no surprise Strictly bosses are keen to get TV chef Gino D'Acampo on the 2024 series. Gino has been asked to do the show in the past, but he turned the offer down. Will he accept this year?
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux appeared on The Jonathan Ross show last year, where he said: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Now we would pay to see that - sign him up!
Sophie Morgan
Loose Women star and TV presenter Sophie Morgan is rumoured to become the first ever wheelchair user to take part in Strictly. A source said: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes. She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It's still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months."
Alan Carr
Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part in the past, so will we see him on the 2024 series?
Rosie Jones
Comedian and actress Rosie Jones recently admitted watching deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis win the series in 2021 inspired her.
Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV.
"In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me!"
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of shows like Line of Duty and Trigger Point, actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2024 series of Strictly.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely confessed a few years ago he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox in 2021, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly in the past. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf revealed last year she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times: "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley confessed in July last year he'd love to take part in Strictly, admitting he'd love the chance to learn how to dance properly. He'd be a great signing for 2024!
In recent months, Giovanni has teamed up with Strictly co-star Anton Du Beke for a travel TV series called Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain, and he's also released his very own fragrance called Vita.
Giovanni also recently went public with his new girlfriend, sharing a snap to celebrate her birthday. He wrote: 'Happy bday to my beautiful 👸🏼!! TMABWAW ♥️♥️♥️ I love you!'. (sic)
BBC bosses have said the official line-up of professional dancers for the 2024 series will be announced in due course.
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