Giovanni Pernice could make a Strictly Come Dancing comeback (Image: BBC)
Could be all set to return to , after pals claimed he had “unfinished business” on the show?
The Sicilian pro had been a mainstay on the show for almost a decade before quitting this year in the wake of allegations made by his 2023 partner, .
However, now that he has been cleared of the more serious claims against him, he has claimed victory – and could be about to make a huge comeback.
He left for Rome last month, where he began competing on the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle – but his deal is believed to be for one series, while he’ll return to the UK for a huge tour between January and July 2025. Could a Strictly 2025 stint follow?
A source to The Mirror revealed: “Giovanni has not given up on appearing on the Strictly stage. As far as he is concerned, he has been cleared and there is no reason why he couldn’t return. He has told his pals he is hoping to be back next year and is keen to speak to the about it.”
They also added: “He still feels very much part of the fold, and has a massive fan base who would no doubt welcome him back, but of course the final decision will be made by bosses.”
Express Online has approached the and a spokesperson for Giovanni for comment.
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Amanda Abbington was declared a “liar” by Giovanni Pernice after she slammed him on Newsnight (Image: BBC)
Amanda has described the year that she partnered Giovanni as “one of the worst” of her life, but his team have hit back over claims against him made in a recent Newsnight interview.
Giovanni stated on : “All the threatening, abusive, harassment behaviour allegations have not been upheld.”
He added: “As a professional, as a teacher, I care about [and] want to get the best out of my partner, and sometimes I do get frustrated. I think everybody around the world does the same thing.
“I’m happy because today I can carry on to do what I was born to do, and I love to do which is entertain all of you.”
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Giovanni Pernice and his Ballando Con le Stelle dance partner Bianca (Image: INSTAGRAM)
However, Amanda has claimed she endured “an ongoing litany of being verbally abused” and that rehearsals were uncomfortable for her.
She withdrew from the show early, citing personal and medical reasons, before revealing she’d been diagnosed with “mild PTSD”.
The apologised to Amanda for her experience and she is reportedly consulting a lawyer.
Time will tell whether or not Giovanni will return to the show following the scandal, which both parties are relieved is “finally over”.