GIOVANNI Pernice has brushed off the Strictly scandal by landing a new job on the Italian version of the show.
Giovanni, who quit Strictly Come Dancing in May ahead of an official investigation being launched about his rehearsal room conduct, proudly announced the news on Instagram today.
"Hi everyone. It's me Giovanni. Hope everyone is having a nice rest of the summer. I'm here in Portofino, and I've just finished two fantastic weeks with my family," he told the camera.
"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 con le stelle, which is the equivalent of Dancing with the Stars, 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," he said.
"So I'm very, very happy about it. Now I have to do the same thing in Italian because there is an Italian audience."
He then repeated the same message, but in Italian.
He also captioned the video: "Hey guys !!
"I’m delighted to announce that from next week I will be joining the cast of @ballandoconlestelle - the Italian Dancing with the Stars.
"I can’t wait to get started and to get back to dancing for all of you! Thank you for all of your continued support!"
Like the video, he repeated the caption in Italian.
Drag Race star Michelle Visage, who was partnered with Giovanni for the 2019 series of Strictly, was among the first to air her support, telling him: "Go win and DON’T VOGUE"
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham also sent her congratulations, writing: "Buona fortuna Bello! Xxxx"
Fans were delighted with the update, and immediately started asking where they can watch him perform.
"Congratulations 🙌 The BBC’s loss is Italy’s gain. Can we watch it anywhere? Is it streamed? Good luck," wrote one.
Another wrote: "Congratulations but we’ll miss you"
"Italian lessons for me then! So pleased we will see you on the dance floor again! ❤️❤️❤️," noted a third.
Moving On
Giovanni's new job marks a new chapter for the Sicilian dancer, who left Strictly Come Dancing in May after nine years as a fan favourite.
During that time, he made the finale four times and won once with EastEnders star, Rose Ayling-Ellis.
However, in May this year, he quit the series just a day before it emerged Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with him in the 2023 series, had lodged a formal complaint to the BBC about his behaviour.
The complaint triggered a probe into his behaviour in the rehearsal room, with Amanda later saying in an interview it was "disastrously unworkable" and suggesting some of his comments were "sexually humiliating" in nature.
Giovanni has always maintained his innocence regarding the allegation, and has continued to vow to clear his name.
The probe, which is still technically ongoing after four months, is expected to be resolved within the upcoming weeks, with the new series starting next Saturday.
The investigation is believed to have cost the BBC thousands, with another dancer, Graziano Di Prima, later being fired after unearthed video footage of his behaviour towards Zara McDermott in rehearsals was brought forward by a member of staff.
In light of the investigation, the BBC have now put new duty of care protocols in place, including having chaperones in the rehearsal rooms for the celebrities to monitor what goes on.
The series is celebrating its 20th series this year, and will kickstart with their launch show next Saturday night.
