GIOVANNI Pernice is eyeing a shock return to Strictly Come Dancing after the BBC released the findings of its investigation into his conduct, according to reports.
The corporation upheld six of the 17 complaints made against him by former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, including two moments of inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace.
Giovanni walked away from the show after nine years during the investigation and is currently appearing on the Italian version of the programme.
A source has now told The Mirror that Giovanni could make a surprise comeback on the BBC show.
They said: "Giovanni has not given up on appearing on the Strictly stage. As far as he is concerned, he has been cleared and there is no reason why he couldn’t return.
"He has told his pals he is hoping to be back next year and is keen to speak to the BBC about it. He still feels very much part of the fold, and has a massive fan base who would no doubt welcome him back. But of course the final decision will be made by BBC bosses."
Following the conclusion of the investigation, Amanda appeared on Newsnight to discuss the outcome.
She revealed she met with celebrities who were previously partnered with Giovanni, 34, and said: "We all cried, we all burst into tears".
She continued: "We just wanted to make sure that we weren't on our own and thinking this had just happened to us.
"Everyone I spoke to all said the same thing, it wasn't pleasant and it wasn't what everyone else was going through in the other [rehearsal] rooms."
Following the release of the investigation, Giovanni spoke of his satisfaction with the result.
He said: "It’s over. It’s finished.
"Six months, seven months of all of this, seven months of reading everyday things in the newspaper and not being able to respond because I wanted to keep the confidentiality and the privacy of the review, was a difficult time.
"It was difficult because reading stuff that was untrue, wasn’t the nicest time of my life, let’s be honest.
"But today I’m happy because at the beginning there were very very serious allegations thrown out at me but as of today, none of the serious allegations have been upheld.
"All the threatening, abusive, harassment behaviour allegations have not been upheld."
The BBC has apologised to Amanda and she is set to meet with bosses later this month.
