Giovanni Pernice sends message to fans as he returns to work with Anton Du Beke after Strictly axe
Giovanni Pernice has returned to the stage as he is supported by Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke.
His return to work comes just days after it was revealed he'd been axed from the BBC dance competition. The professional dancer has headed out on tour with Anton, and thanked his fans for their support at the sold out show. In a clip posted on Giovanni's account, he could be spotted arm in arm with Anton as they wore matching outfits.
He said: "So we are in Hayes tonight. Opening night." Anton added: "Oh I love an opening night," as Giovanni continued: "Oh it's gone very well so far. So far so good. But you know it seems like you're performing by yourself because..." Anton replied: "Well I thought we'd have a few months."
Giovanni then teased: "But nobody came to watch to show," as the pair then turned around to face the audience and the theatre lights came on. It revealed a packed out crowd cheering the dance duo. Giovanni and Anton then put their arms around each other again and said: "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
The 57-year-old professional dancer turned Strictly judge has worked with Giovanni before as they filmed a travel show together. They have defiantly made the decision to carry on their planned UK tour following Giovanni's Strictly axe. Just yesterday, Giovanni broke his social media silence following the shock news where he insisted he will keep on dancing.
Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke
Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke
Giovanni posted a clip on his Instagram Stories of him back in dance training. In the video Giovanni could be seen taking charge in leading a series of group dance sessions. He simply added three love heart emojis to the post - defiantly showing fans he is not giving up on his passion for dance.
His clip was also shared on Ballando's own account as fans expressed their delight at seeing Giovanni back to work on the dancefloor. One said: "How lucky are we to be taught by the best," to which Ballando replied: "Very!" Another added: "This video in itself speaks volumes… The biggest and best dance fam." Someone else commented: "Can't wait. Gio is the best teacher." Ballando offer dance workshops across the country with Giovanni as well as Strictly Come Dancing judges. Giovanni will join Anton and Shirley Ballas at the next session in London at the end of the month.
It was confirmed earlier this month that Giovanni would not be part of the 2024 series. It came after rumours he wasn't set to join the 2024 cast as a leaked internal memo didn't feature Giovanni's name among this year's roster of professional dancers. He started on Strictly in 2015 when he reached the final with Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote.
The 33-year-old found himself at the centre of controversy for months following his most recent stint on the BBC dance competition for allegations into his behaviour that he denied. He was paired with actress Amanda Abbington, who quit the show early and later claimed to have suffered from PTSD. The BBC was said to have launched an internal investigation after receiving complaints from his previous celebrity dance partners on the show.
Giovanni previously shared a statement to his fans as he denied the allegations. He said: "To my dear fans, 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!"
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