Giovanni Pernice has made a pointed dig at those who 'turned their back' on him, presumably following his Strictly Come Dancing scandal, as he wrapped up his latest solo tour.
The professional dancer spent months touring the UK in his own headline show, The Last Dance, which he has previously said will be his last tour - for now - having headed out across the country with his own show for a number of years in a row.
The tour came after Giovanni wasn't invited to take part in the last series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 after an investigation into his behaviour on the show was conducted before he was cleared of the most serious allegations
The BBC apologised to Sherlock star Amanda Abbington as they upheld some of her complaints against her former dance partner during the 2023 series.
Giovanni then went on to be crowned the winner of the Italian version of the BBC One dance contest and America's Dancing with the Stars alongside actress and singer Bianca Guaccero, who he is now in a relationship, following the show's final back in December.
It was this week that Giovanni's mammoth tour came to an end and as he reflected on the end of the shows, he also seemingly looked back over the last year following his Strictly exit.
Alongside pictures and videos of his final moments on stage, he wrote on Instagram: "After I took that final bow at The London Palladium, I was reminded of a song; Rise like a Phoenix, because that’s how I felt. This tour meant a lot.
"As I said before it started, it was personal – a way to say thank you to everyone that has supported me. It was also a way to reflect on recent times, to say out loud some of the things I was feeling."
He went on: "To @strictlytheatreco my cast, the whole crew – thank you for everything you’ve done. Thank you for putting your all into it and bringing the show to life, making sure that each show delivered it’s best. Every show I stepped out knowing I had the best team and cast with me – you really are all fantastic."To those who turned their back and walked away because it wasn’t good to be seen with me. I see you watching what I’m doing. I see you copying what I’ve already done, using me as your inspiration - you’re welcome. Keep watching. Please keep watching - because this tour may be have called The Last Dance, but rest assured it’s not the last from me, there is much more to come and I want you to see it."To my family, real friends and loved ones - thank you for your constant love and support that allows me to do this and give my all. I love you all, I really do and I couldn’t do this without you."Of course, to my fans. This tour was for you, in fact this tour happened because of you and the support you constantly – and loudly - give. Coming out every show and performing for you, entertaining you, feeling your love and support – there’s nothing like it. The Last Dance was a sincere thank you, and I really really hope you felt that. I’ll see you soon for Together Again with my best friend."
He rounded off by saying: "So as I took that final bow – I felt love from those who matter, I felt pride, I felt satisfaction and now I look forward to what’s to come. Because as I said every show on tour (almost 100 of them) – The Last Dance, doesn’t mean the last dance – I’m not going anywhere. I’m still standing. Gio."
