Giovanni Pernice will not return for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has confirmed. The 33-year-old Italian dancer has performed on the BBC One primetime show for nine years. He was not announced as part of the show's line-up of professional dancers for 2024 following reports he would not compete. Pernice has rejected allegations he displayed 'abusive or threatening behaviour' while working as a professional dancer on the show, following complaints about his conduct.
He was last paired with Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who withdrew from the competition in 2023 citing 'personal reasons'. In 2021, Pernice lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf contestant to win. He also reached the final in 2017 with Debbie McGee and in 2018 with Faye Tozer.