Giovanni Pernice ‘to quit’ BBC Strictly Come Dancing but did ‘nothing wrong’

Giovanni Pernice will not return as a professional dancer for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, reports say. The speculation follows comments made by actress Amanda Abbington about her experience on the show.

Speaking about Giovanni Pernice’s future on Strictly Come Dancing, amid claims he will not appear in the upcoming series, the BBC released a statement after a purported internal memo was leaked without Giovanni’s name appearing among this year’s professional dancers. An insider said “Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much and now is the time to start again”, adding: “He wants to focus on other TV projects and feels he has achieved all he can on Strictly. , after winning the trophy in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.”

Further insight from an insider via The Sun revealed: “He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a master hard worker, but knows his training style isn’t to everyone’s taste – more chosen nowadays. He has a lot of other exciting projects going on at the moment and is very excited to develop them. This, now, is his priority.

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Abbington left the dance competition before the sixth week last year, citing “personal reasons” for her departure. He previously had to miss a live show for “medical reasons”.

In an interview with The Sun on Sunday, Abbington revealed: “I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for a number of reasons and I told a few people about it in the strictest of confidence, among other things that were going on in my life at that time. both professionally and personally.”

She expressed her dismay at receiving death threats, having her children threatened and having her previous relationship used to judge her current mental state: “I’m very sorry that people felt the need to -they send me death threats, threaten my children and raise me. My past healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health, I wish those people well.”

When Abbington announced her retirement from Strictly in October via Instagram, she did not state her reasons, but noted that it was a difficult decision: “I have not come to this decision easily or lightly, but for personal reasons I cannot keep going”. Her time on Strictly saw her team up with Giovanni Pernice as a professional dance partner.

A BBC spokesman said: “Professional dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course.”

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