Giovanni Pernice 'in talks for international Strictly series'

Giovanni Pernice is reportedly in talks for Dancing with the Stars in Italy (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

Giovanni Pernice is reportedly in talks for the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing, after quitting the BBC programme.

Earlier this month, the 2024 line-up professional dancers, including Amy Dowden returning after her cancer diagnosis and reigning champion Vito Coppola, was confirmed.

However, Giovanni, 33, has not been included, following reports he had quit the show, and after claims that the BBC was launching an investigation into his behaviour and teaching methods.

For the past few months, the Italian dancer has faced accusations by former contestants, including Amanda Abbington, who quit Strictly after five weeks last year, citing ‘personal reasons’ at the time, before saying her experience left her with PTSD.

It is believed that Amanda met with Giovanni’s former dancer partners Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him on the show, and have considered launching legal action.

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Meanwhile, Giovanni has defended himself on social media, saying he ‘rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name’, and is said to have instructed lawyers to fight the claims.

Giovanni is not part of the 2024 line-up of Strictly dancers (Picture: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

It’s now been claimed he’s in talks for an international version of Strictly.

A source said: ‘Giovanni is in advanced talks to join the Italian version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars.

‘Bosses are really keen to sign him as a judge given his fame and status in the UK but are also open to the dancer performing as a professional, if he still wants to compete.’

The insider added to MailOnline: ‘It’s a great move for Giovanni, who has weighed up the possibility of doing shows like I’m A Celeb, but dance will always be his passion.

Giovanni was paired with Amanda Abbington on Strictly 2023, though she quit the competition after week 5 (Picture: PA)

‘All he wants is a fresh start and to join Dancing with the Stars in Italy will certainly give him the new chapter he’s been hoping for.’

Giovanni is currently on tour with his co-star Anton Du Beke, amid an outpouring of support from other Strictly dancers.

In his latest statement, which was posted on Sunday June 16, Giovanni wrote: ‘To my fans and followers, Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media.

‘As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.’

Giovanni has defended himself on social media (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

He continued: ‘I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.

‘I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – you messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni.’

Metro.co.uk has approached Giovanni’s reps for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

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