Strictly fans slam ‘calculated’ BBC as Aljaz Skorjanec returns to show after Giovanni Pernice axe
STRICTLY fans have slammed the BBC after they announced Aljaž Škorjanec has signed back up to the show after Giovanni Pernice was axed.
Aljaž is set to return to the ballroom following a two-year hiatus.
During his time away he became a stay at home dad when wife Janette Manrara gave birth to their daughter.
A stream of Strictly stars, including Neil Jones, Motsi Mabuse, Karen Hauer and Kai Widdrington celebrated his comeback beneath a post on Strictly’s social media.
Neil said: “This news made my day. I missed watching you dance,” and head judge Shirley Ballas added: “Welcome back!”
But some fans of the hit show have accused bosses of sidelining Giovanni Pernice.
One said: “Great! Now bring back Giovanni who did not deserve the treatment he’s been given.”
Another moaned: “Trying to bring the public back on side after the appalling way the BBC treated Giovanni.”
Giovanni was axed amid a storm of complaints.
But judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke have broken the ring of silence around the cast of Strictly and showed their support for the beleaguered star.
They brushed off his complaints scandal by teaming up with him on a new project.
Giovanni unceremoniously left the BBC series earlier this year, after three of his nine former dance partners clubbed together to all launch official complaints against him.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.