Giovanni Pernice dropped major hint about Strictly exit 7 months before shock departure
GIOVANNI Pernice dropped a major hint about his Strictly Come Dancing exit seven months ago.
The dancer, 33 – who joined the BBC competition in 2015 – recently told pals “he’s quitting Strictly”, after facing a number of allegations over his “militant” training methods.
Last year, while he was dancing with Amanda Abbington in series 21, he dropped a clue about stepping away from the show.
Speaking on Radio Times, Giovanni said: “I’m not sure what’s happening in the future, you know?
“I can tell you what’s happening in the present.”
He added: “I’m here, focused with Amanda and trying to do another great routine.
“And the future – who knows? Strictly is a show that changed my life.
“I will be there for as long as they want me.”
Last night The Sun exclusively revealed that Giovanni has left the BBC show after a number of allegations from celebrities.
Today we revealed that The BBC has launched an internal investigation into Giovanni.
Whilst the complainants have not been named, they are understood to be Amanda Abbington and two other high profile stars.
Amanda, who was paired with the Italian last year, quit the show after a week off and reports of “feuding” with Gio.
She then revealed that she was left with mild PTSD and lodged a complaint to the Beeb.
Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh, who were also paired with him in previous years, have spoken out about their experiences.
There have been plenty of clues that Gio had plans to quit Strictly.
He’s been busy with his own national dance tour, launching his own perfume and spending time with his girlfriend Molly Brown.
Who is Giovanni Pernice?
GIOVANNI Pernice was a Strictly Come Dancing professional.
But just days ago The Sun exclusively revealed that the professional dancer officially quit the show.
Born on September 5, 1990, Giovanni is a dancer from Sicily.
Gio joined Strictly in 2015 and has become a fan favourite.
He reached the final in his first year with actress Georgia May Foote before triumphing in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Specialising in Latin style, Giovanni has won a number of competitions, most notably, the Italian Open Championship in 2012.
The talented dancer is also a Guinness World Record holder for Jive kicks and flicks, as well as Charleston swivels.
Giovanni has fled the UK after his shock exit and gone on holiday with his lover.
It comes after it was revealed that Gio has been lined up to take part in I’m A Celebrity.
Giovanni was going to have crunch talks with the BBC over his future on the show.
The hunk has been paired with the likes of Georgia May Foote, Laura Whitmore, Debbie McGee, Faye Tozer, Michelle Visage, Ranvir Singh and Richie Anderson over the years.
He was crowned winner with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021.
Inside Amanda Abbington's time on Strictly
AMANDA Abbington was partnered with Giovanni for the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
However, just weeks into the series the actress announced she had quit the show.
Before she left Strictly, The Sun revealed how Amanda and Giovanni were feuding behind the scenes.
Amanda further fuelled rumours by sharing a cryptic post about bad behaviour on her Instagram account.
The star reposted a quote which read: “Shoutout to people whose kindness isn’t a strategy but a way of life.”
Amanda also snubbed Giovanni when she broke her silence following her departure.
She told fans: “It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.
“It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
“I want to thank the incredible production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring.
“It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them. I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further.
“Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. Xxx”
In January 2024, it emerged that Amanda allegedly told pals that her tense relationship with Giovanni during her time on Strictly had left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.