GIOVANNI Pernice has admitted he would love to return to Strictly Come Dancing - but fears the BBC won’t have him back.
The professional dancer last appeared on the BBC celebrity ballroom dancing competition in 2023 with celebrity partner Amanda Abbington.
Amanda soon quit the show accusing Gio of bullying and a string of complaints, some of which were upheld.
Gio was suspended while the investigation took place - costing a reported £250k - and eventually left the show completely to join the Italian version Ballando con le Stelle.
Since then Giovanni won the Italian version of Strictly and found love with his celebrity partner, Italian star Bianca Guaccero.
Now he has opened up about a potential return to Strictly after his success.
He told the Mail on Sunday: “I think they have closed the book on that and moved on.
“I would love to go back to Strictly because Strictly changed my life. It is a massive show, but I don’t think they’re going to have me back. They’re not.
“I’m upset as well. It’s been a great, great, great ten years. I achieved everything. But it’s not my choice, it’s not my decision.
“Everybody has moved on. Maybe I might come back in a few years like Alijaz. I think this is the path we take. And don’t forget, I’m the reigning Italian champion.”
The star recently landed a new gig with a Strictly co-star.
Gio revealed that he and Lauren Oakley would be performing together at live events around the country.
Titled Dancing with the Stars weekends, many Strictly stars perform with one another in order to teach and coach members of the public how to dance.
Gio has been involved in the special events before but this will mark his first UK-based role since the probe into his conduct with previous celeb partner, Amanda Abbington.
His new dancing role comes after he admitted he was keen to expand into other areas - including singing and acting.
