GIOVANNI Pernice became a household name when he burst onto the Strictly dancefloor nearly ten years ago.
However, the popular pro dancer found himself embroiled in a behind-the-scenes feud and now The Sun has exclusively revealed Gio has told pals he’s “quitting the show”.
Who is Giovanni Pernice?
Born on September 5, 1990, Giovanni Pernice is a dancer from Sicily.
He came to prominence in 2015 as one of the professionals on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
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.
What has Giovanni Pernice been accused of?
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.
Shoutout to people whose kindness isn’t a strategy but a way of life.
Amanda Abbington
“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.
The Sun revealed that the Sherlock actress had demanded footage of her rehearsals with partner Giovanni and was seeking legal advice.
A pal said: “Amanda has been left broken and saddened by the whole experience.
“She has needed therapy and was left in shock by the behaviour she was exposed to.”
But this isn’t the first time Giovanni has come under fire.
I am a perfectionist, 100%, but it comes from a perspective of caring. I think all of the professional dancers are in the same place.
Giovanni Pernice
In 2020, his former dance partner, GMB’s Ranvir Singh, complained to bosses about the star as well, while former Steps singer Faye Tozer is understood to have clashed with him.
Giovanni’s 2016 partner Laura Whitmore also previously claimed that her time with him reduced her to tears.
In March 2024, The Sun revealed that Amanda, Laura and Ranvir had met up to discuss the experiences with Giovanni.
What has Giovanni Pernice said about the accusations?
In March 2024, Giovanni broke his silence on the Strictly feud with Amanda.
He opened up about working with the actress and confessed: “It’s a shame because, in my opinion, she could have gone all the way.”
Speaking on the Mirror‘s Invite Only podcast, he continued: “I am a perfectionist, 100%, but it comes from a perspective of caring.
“I think all of the professional dancers are in the same place.
“If you’re a professional dancer on one of these shows, you have to get these people looking the best they can on Saturday night.”
Has Giovannie Pernice quit Strictly?
On May 17, 2024, The Sun exclusively revealed that Giovanni has told pals “he’s quitting Strictly”.
We previously revealed how the BBC was said to be “very keen” to continue working with Gio.
Now The Sun has revealed how an internal memo of all of the Strictly 2024 professional dancers has been circulated without his name.
We reported how Giovanni has now told friends he is instead seeking a fresh start on other TV shows.
A source told The Sun: “Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start.
“He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.”
Does Giovanni Pernice have a partner?
Since February 2024, Giovanni has been enjoying a romance with boxing ring girl Molly Brown.
The pair went Instagram official with a loved up selfie and have been smitten ever since.
Over the years, Gio has been involved in a string of high-profile romances.
In March 2023, Giovanni split from fellow pro dancer Jowita Przystal.
The pair fell for one another during the 2022 series of the hit BBC one show.
Before that he famously dated Love Island star Maura Higgins over summer 2021.
Giovanni doesn’t have any children, but has spoken of his desire to have kids in the future.
Speaking on Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures In Sicily, he shared that he does want a family one day — but needs to find the right person first.
Speaking to Anton Du Beke he said: “My mum asks me questions constantly, ‘Giovanni what is the situation?’
“Because every time I date a girl I always tell her and say “What do you think about this? What do you think about her?
“She always asks, ‘Is she The One. You know I want a baby before I pass away? Of course, I want a family one day. You just have to find the right person first.'”
What is Giovanni Pernice doing now
Away from Strictly Come Dancing and Giovanni is known for his TV work with good pal Anton Du Beke.
In March 2024, the pair teamed up for their BBC series Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain, which sees them taking in all the famous Spanish hotspots.
Before this they appeared in a similar series together, where they toured Gio’s native Sicily.
How the drama’s unfolded
By ELLIE HENMAN
2015: Giovanni joins Strictly and reaches the final with Georgia May Foote.
2016: Partnered with Laura Whitmore, who later says her experience with Gio left her in tears every day.
2018: Makes the final again, this time with Faye Tozer.
2021: Wins with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
SEPTEMBER 2023: Paired with actress Amanda Abbington, who threatens to quit in early weeks following rows.
OCTOBER 2023: She pulls out of live show for “medical reasons” and then quits altogether.
JANUARY 6, 2024: Amanda demands the BBC hands over rehearsals footage after seeking legal advice following claims she was left with PTSD.
JANUARY 7: The BBC refuses to launch probe into Giovanni despite a string of concerns, including from another former dancer partner, Ranvir Singh.
JANUARY 9: The Sun reveals the BBC is standing by Gio.
JANUARY 13: Amanda reveals she has received death threats over the row.
MARCH 16: Amanda, Ranvir and Laura meet to compare notes on how Gio treated them.
MARCH 23: BBC in a bind as bosses are “undecided” on if Gio should get a celeb partner.
MARCH 31: Giovanni to hold a crunch meeting with BBC as it is revealed he clashed with a fourth partner, Faye Tozer.