Giovanni Pernice's Plan B - embattled dancer launches back up career amid Strictly training row

Giovanni Pernice is said to have quit Strictly Come Dancing after his training methods were called into question, but it won't be the last you see of him.

The professional dancer has come under fire his allegedly 'militant' training style after being partnered with actress Amanda Abbington, who suddenly quit the last series four weeks in, citing medical reasons.

The Sherlock actress later said she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following her time on Strictly and it was reported that she told friends she felt Giovanni was "abrasive" with her during training. It was also claimed that Amanda demanded to see behind-the-scenes footage of their time training together.

,Giovanni Pernice,

Dancer Korina

Giovanni has denied any wrongdoing, but a source claims he decided to step away from the show to pursue his other career goals. "Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start," the insider said.

"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."

The insider told The Sun: "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. He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he's just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority."

The 33-year-old is said to be eyeing up a place in the jungle on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! with bosses reportedly willing to pay him a very tempting offer. A TV insider told the Mail: "With I'm A Celeb round the corner, Giovanni would be a dream signing for producers, especially now he's looking for new opportunities and a way to hopefully show audiences he's a good guy."

But he might not be leaving the BBC for good, as bosses are reportedly considering another commission of his popular travel series with Strictly co-star Anton Du Beke. Giovanni is also set for the big screen with him soon to make his film debut next month in the heartwarming fantasy remake of Man & Witch.

He stars as Master of the Dance, allowing him to show off his fancy footwork alongside his acting skills, alongside Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd and Lord of the Ring's Sean Astin. But away from the cameras, the dancer has also set up two new companies, suggesting he is about to venture into the classroom.

Following in the footsteps of other performers such as Kevin Clifton, who has his own dance school, in April the Ballroom champ filed Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House, which relates to the ‘operation of arts facilities’. The so-called school is in partnership with Paul Irving, who has produced Gio's tours.

Anton & Giovanni's Adventures

Paul is also the founder of The Strictly Foundation, which was set up to 'raise funds to place talented youth in stage schools and arts training courses’. Meanwhile, Giovanni's second company, registered this month on Companies House, is named GP Ballando, which is listed as 'cultural education'.

It won't be the first time he has deviated away from the stage, as last year, Giovanni set up his own cosmetics range, GP Vita, which sold fragrances for men and women. Announcing the launch on Instagram, he said the business was a 'dream come true'.

He added: "VITA is my new fragrance for men and women - an intoxicating scent that captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily." On Sunday, the dancer issued a statement "rejecting any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour" via his Instagram account.

His message read: "To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name. Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.

"No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."