Giovanni Pernice to Leave ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Amidst Speculation and Controversy
In a significant development for BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing,‘ Giovanni Pernice is reportedly exiting the popular dance competition to explore new opportunities in television. This change comes amid discussions and some controversy surrounding his demanding training approach.
Giovanni celebrated for his dynamic stage presence and strict coaching methods, has been a prominent figure on the show, captivating viewers with his skills. His potential departure signifies a turning point, especially following his 2021 victory and his achievement of reaching the finals four times. Speculation about Giovanni’s future intensified after a BBC internal memo was leaked, revealing his omission from the 2024 professional dancers’ lineup.
This omission has sparked discussions and seems to confirm that Giovanni is looking to transition away from the dance floor. The decision appears linked to the scrutiny he faced during his last season, particularly with his partner, actress Amanda Abbington. Their partnership concluded prematurely when Amanda exited the competition in October, later attributing her departure to mild post-traumatic stress disorder from the rigorous practice sessions.
Despite these challenges, the BBC reportedly tried to keep Giovanni on board, offering him a new contract. Nonetheless, Giovanni’s aspirations appear to be set on broader television roles, according to Mirror.
The BBC has commented on the situation, with a spokesperson stating, “The Professional Dancers for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2024 will be announced in due course”, via Yahoo. This response indicates that while Giovanni’s departure has not been officially confirmed, the network is keeping details of the upcoming season close to the vest.
This period marks a tumultuous phase for Giovanni, compounded by backstage tensions and public scrutiny. Earlier in the year, Amanda Abbington’s request for backstage footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni hinted at potential legal issues, underscoring the intensity of their behind-the-scenes disputes.