Strictly chaos as Giovanni Pernice’s ‘return to show’ leaves BBC under pressure
BBC bosses are coming under increasing pressure over the speculation that Giovanni Pernice is plotting a sensational return to Strictly.
The Italian dancer, 34, quit the BBC One programme after former celeb-partner Amanda Abbington, 50, complained about his behaviour.
A probe later upheld some of her claims – including allegations of bullying – but dismissed others.
It led to both parties claiming “victory”, and Giovanni later defiantly said he could even return to the show which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine earlier this year, he replied “never say never” when asked if he saw a way back on the programme.
Now, The Sun Online has learned that this has left BBC executives under mounting pressure to make a final decision, with one insider saying his chances of ever being invited back are “very, very slim”.
A source said: “Giovanni has made it obvious he’d love to return to Strictly one day. He maintains he did nothing wrong and he misses being a part of the programme.
“He’s done well on the Italian version. But it’s nothing compared to the UK one.
“However the chances of Gio ever being invited back are very, very slim.
“He’s still got friends and supporters within Strictly. But the BBC are keen to move into 2025 by drawing a line under the scandals of the past.
“They’ve had the Huw Edwards scandal, the Strictly row and now the Gregg Wallace furore.
“Bringing back Giovanni just risks opening up a can of worms, not least from Amanda who remains very, very upset at how the whole thing was handled by the BBC.
“If they invited Giovanni back it risks sparking a whole new raft of complaints from her side.
“The pressure is therefore really growing on the BBC to just say one way or another what’s happening.
“That way everyone can move on without a big question mark hanging over the whole will he, won’t he saga.”
While it’s unlikely he’ll be back on Strictly, Gio will be returning to British telly, as a contestant on new Channel 4 show, Celebrity Hunted, alongside fellow pro dancer Kai Widdrington.
The series, which was filmed by Channel 4 in aid of Stand up To Cancer, will see the former co-stars attempt to outrun an elite team of Hunters alongside five other pairs of famous faces.
Although it was filmed last year, the series will air in January.
The celebrities taking part include: Blue’s Duncan James teamed up Christine McGuinness, Loose Women’s Denise Welch with husband Lincoln Townley.
Celebrity Big Brother’s Zeze Millz and podcaster David Whitely.
Also EastEnders star Danielle Harold and Corrie’s Kimberley Hart Simpson and news anchors Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini.
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”.