Giovanni Pernice has reportedly quit Strictly Come Dancing after the scrutiny became ‘too much’ when three of his ex dance partners slammed his ‘militant’ approach.
Has Giovanni Left Strictly?
The professional dancer, 33, who ‘insists he has done nothing wrong’ is said to want a ‘fresh start’ after his last celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, 52, led the charge in accusing him of ‘difficult behaviour’ during training.
Amanda, who dramatically withdrew from last year’s competition and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the show, is said to have met with Laura Whitmore, 39, and Ranvir Singh, 46, earlier this year for an ‘emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with him.
How Long Has Giovanni Been in Strictly?
Though the BBC has stood by Giovanni and been keen to sign the professional dancer for its 20th anniversary series, but he has decided to not return after eight years on the show.
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‘Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much and now is the time to make a fresh start,’ a source told The Sun.
‘He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
‘He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking – especially in this day and age.’
The insider added Giovanni has lots of ‘exciting projects’ in the pipeline which is now his priority.
A spokesman for the BBC refused to comment on Giovanni’s departure. They said: ‘The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course’.