Giovanni Pernice Reportedly Quits Strictly Come Dancing Amid Controversy

Giovanni Pernice, the renowned professional dancer on BBC‘s popular show Strictly Come Dancing, has reportedly made the decision to exit the series amidst a wave of controversy surrounding his training methods and interactions with former celebrity partners, including actress Amanda Abbington.

The departure rumors come in the aftermath of Amanda Abbington’s abrupt exit from the show last season, where she cited personal reasons for her departure. Abbington, best known for her role as Mary Watson in the hit series Sherlock, disclosed that her time on Strictly led to a diagnosis of mild post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The BBC, the broadcasting network responsible for Strictly Come Dancing, recently addressed the reports of Giovanni Pernice’s departure by stating that the lineup of professional dancers for the upcoming season will be revealed in due time, hinting at a potential shift in the show’s roster.

An internal memo leak that excluded Giovanni’s name from the list of professional dancers for the upcoming season has fueled speculations about his departure, indicating that the Italian dancer may be exploring new television opportunities apart from the competition.

Unnamed sources close to the situation have shared insights, stating that Giovanni Pernice feels the scrutiny on him has become overwhelming, prompting him to seek a fresh start and focus on alternative TV projects. Despite winning a Strictly Come Dancing trophy in 2021 and securing a spot in the final four times, Giovanni reportedly believes he has accomplished his goals on the show.

Throughout the past season, Giovanni’s training style and alleged clashes with Amanda Abbington during rehearsals raised concerns, leading to Amanda’s premature withdrawal from the competition. The actress shared her struggles publicly, expressing regret at the negative backlash she faced following her stint on Strictly.

While the BBC had reportedly offered Giovanni a new contract amidst the controversies, it seems the dancer has opted to step away from Strictly Come Dancing after nearly a decade of involvement, seeking a shift towards new projects and opportunities in the television industry.