GIOVANNI Pernice was seen looking downcast as he joined friends for dinner in Italy.
The Sicilian dancer, who quit the series in May shortly before an official investigation was launched into his behaviour towards Amanda Abbington, has jetted out of the UK for some downtime.
As the investigation into allegations on rehearsal room bullying continues, Giovanni has flown to Portofino to be with friends.
On Sunday night, he was spotted at the Marinaio tavern with his friends, sitting at a terrace table as they joked and drank wine.
Giovanni looked dapper in a grey linen suit, but didn't seem to crack a smile as his friends laughed around him.
At one point, he seemed locked in an intense conversation with one friend while they smoked away from the table.
However, he did eventually perk up, with the star stifling a laugh from behind a napkin as they ate and caught up.
He later spotted the cameras and gave a wave before heading off.
Giovanni arrived in Italy in style, sharing photos from his trip on a private jet, complete with champagne.
The trip comes after the ongoing Strictly Comes Dancing probe into his conduct on the show - with his 2023 celeb partner Amanda Abbington launching an official complaint about his behaviour.
The star claimed she was subjected to "disastrously unworkable" and "abusive" conditions.
Giovanni has strenuously denied the claims and has vowed to clear his name.
The outcome of the investigation, which has been rumbling on for four months, has been delayed after new evidence came to light.
As a result, other TV shows have been reluctant to offer the Italian dancer big money deals in case he's found guilty - and could have potentially lost him up to £350,000 in missed TV opportunities.
The Mail reports that Italian dancing show Ballando con le Stelle has pulled their £100k offer amid the uncertainty, while a rumoured £250k deal to join I'm A Celebrity now looks unlikely too.
It's unlikely results of the three-month investigation into bullying claims will be announced this month.
A source told us: “The BBC is in crisis mode. They were still reeling from the Huw Edwards scandal.
“They know all eyes are on them as to what they will do about the black cloud hanging over Strictly so they need to make sure they announce their decision at the right moment.
“It’s looking more likely that it will be next month now, meaning the whole thing could drag into the new series.
“The BBC also knows that whatever they announce is very unlikely to be the end of the matter.
"They are bracing themselves for appeals and potentially more complaints so are determined to get their ducks in a row before they make any public announcement.
“Amanda and Giovanni are naturally both frustrated at the way things are dragging on.
“They both insist they are in the right and are not backing down.
“But they both also want answers and to find out what the BBC has decided.”
