Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has confirmed that he has not permanently left the UK after accepting a chance to compete in the Italian version of the series.
Back at the beginning of September, Pernice confirmed that he would be competing in Ballando con le Stelle, dishing a savage snub to BBC Strictly after being part of the show for eight years.
Since the beginning of the year, the 34-year-old has made headlines after Amanda Abbington claimed he left her “blue and bruised” during their time together – with the BBC launching a probe into his and previous dancers’ conduct.
Throughout the ongoing allegations, Pernice has continued to deny claims made by Abbington.
While the BBC is still yet to announce the conclusion of the investigation, Pernice has already moved on and is now competing in Italy’s version of the dance competition.
He told his fans on Instagram: “Hi everyone, it’s me Giovanni. Hope everyone is having a nice rest of the summer.
“I’m here in Portofino, and I just finished two fantastic weeks with my family. But I’m here to give you some exciting news because I can finally reveal that from next week, I will be joining the cast of Ballando cone le Stelle, which is the equivalent of Dancing with the Stars – the Italian version.
“Of course, I’m excited because finally, I’m back on the dance floor and hopefully I will create some new magic on the dance floor. So I’m very, very very happy.”
The star’s move has caused many of his fans to become concerned that he has left the UK for good – but he recently confirmed that it’s not the case.
Posting another video, he admitted: “Hello everyone. Just a quick update on life in Rome. This week is the week of the first live show which is very exciting. Bianca is doing very very well.
Giovanni Pernice takes to the dancefloor this weekend
“I did read all your messages at the weekend and very grateful to all of you, here is going very well. I received a lot of messages as well saying, ‘Giovanni, why did you leave the UK?’
“I haven’t left the UK at all, in actual fact, I am back on Sunday for the dance class and obviously the dance class in October and November as well and then back on tour in January until July.
“But for now I am very excited for Ballando con le Stelle, the dance is going very very well, it is hot. Sending you lots of love, I love you all.”
Fans were thrilled that he would be returning to the UK, with one commenting under his post: “We are wishing you and Bianca all the best for show one! And we can’t wait to see you back in the UK.”
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Giovanni Pernice had success with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 on Strictly
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“We miss you in the UK. Go smash it you deserve it! Look forward to your next dance class,” another added before a third said: “We love you Gio – Good luck with the first live show with Bianca! You’re gonna smash it!.”
“Strictly is not the same without you! All the best in Rome,” someone else penned before a fifth expressed: “Wishing you lots of luck!! Missing you on Strictly!”
Another fan wrote: “Good luck Gio we will be rooting for you all the way and can’t wait to see you Sunday.” (sic)