Shirtless Giovanni Pernice beams on luxury break as Strictly bullying probe results set to be released
GIOVANNI Pernice posed shirtless while soaking up the sunshine amid the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing misconduct investigation.
The 33-year-old dancer, who is currently awaiting the final verdict, has been indulging in a lavish boat cruise.
The former Strictly star looked happier than ever as he donned a pair of black swimming trunks and black sunglasses.
He showed off his tattoos in the shirtless snaps while he posed on the boat with a glass of wine.
Giovanni simply captioned the post: “September.”
The snaps come as the TV star awaits the conclusion of the BBC’s four-month investigation, which was sparked by allegations of “bullying” from his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington.
The Sherlock actress, who danced with Giovanni in 2023, accused him of misconduct during their rehearsals.
She has described his behaviour as “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”.
And with just days before the series launch on Saturday, the £250,000 BBC probe has now reviewed all evidence.
A source said: “The BBC are hopeful they will finally be able to share the findings of the probe but considering there have been so many delays, nothing is set in stone.
“It is accepted the dossier won’t be released in full but instead a simple statement may be put out covering the conclusion.
“Either way there are many interested parties and it could pave the way for more celebrities or crew members to speak up.
“It’s down to the wire, but the BBC hope the sparkle of the new series launch could sweep away the scandal.”
Giovanni, who has denied any wrongdoing, quit Strictly earlier this year as the investigation began.
Last week he announced that he will star in the Italian version of the show Ballando con le Stelle.
He told his fans on Instagram: “Hi everyone. It’s me Giovanni. Hope everyone is having a nice rest of the summer. I’m here in Portofino, and I’ve just finished two fantastic weeks with my family,” he told the camera.
“But I’m here to give you some exciting news, because I can finally reveal that from next week, I will be joining the cast of Ballando con le stelle, which is the equivalent of Dancing with the Stars, Italian version, of course.”
“I’m excited because finally I’m back on the dance floor, and hopefully I will create some new magic on the dance floor.
“So I’m very, very happy about it. Now I have to do the same thing in Italian because there is an Italian audience.”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.