Vito Coppola has been quizzed on a possible return for Giovanni Pernice to Strictly Come Dancing as he prepares to waltz back into his fourth series.
The Italian dancer has been a popular contestant on the hit BBC dance show since he joined in 2022, during which he made the final alongside Fleur East, before winning the competition alongside Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach in 2023, and making the final again in 2024 with Sarah Hadland.
Now, with the show readying itself for a new batch of hopefuls, Vito has told how much he is looking forward to the show. Speaking on the red carpet of the BAFTA TV Awards, Vito was asked if there could be a returning professional in the line-up after the BBC teased two additional dancers to be announced before the 2025 run later this year.
He told the Mirror: "I mean, in Strictly everything is so unpredictable that you never can predict anything. It could be a new pro, it could be someone from the past, it could be someone I haven't worked with before.
"There are many pros that when I arrived I hadn't worked with on the show. So I'm very, very curious. The first thing that I'll do for sure, if I know or don't know them, is hug them strong and give them a big kiss on the cheek."
Specifically in Giovanni, he added: "I don't know [if we will see him back]. Because, he is now, from what I know, he is now in Italy.
"But I don't know because with Strictly they are so secret. They are so cryptic and they want to keep it as a surprise for us as well. So I mean, whoever it's going to be, I'm going to be super excited. I'm like a little puppy you know, always around. I cannot wait."
Giovanni was caught up in scandal following his 2023 stint with the actress, who made a series of claims about bullying behaviour. Giovanni decided to take a break from the public eye following the scandal.
The actress, known for her roles in Mr Selfridge and Sherlock, said the dancer had created a "toxic environment" and levelled "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying" charges at him.
While Giovanni denied the claims, he later embraced the results of a BBC investigation that upheld "some, but not all" complaints made by the actress.
Questions about his return come after Giovanni levelled 'copying' claims at unnamed dancers following the end of his UK tour. He 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.
He wrapped up the tour last week and 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."
