GIOVANNI Pernice appeared in good spirits amid his BBC investigation as he declared “we are back” in a new video with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.
The pair plugged their upcoming live tour, Anton & Giovanni, which is set to travel around the UK for two months.
Giovanni, 33, quit Strictly in light of allegations against him but vowed to clear his name.
He reunited yesterday with former co-star Anton, 56, and shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their first day of rehearsals for the tour.
Anton said: “First day of rehearsals. Always my favourite day. Second day, less so.”
“We are back, whatever we do, we’re going to get through it together,” Gio replied.
Anton and Giovanni: Together – The Live Tour kicks off on June 14 at the Beck Theatre in Hayes, West London.
The pair will end the run on July 21 at Salford’s The Lowry.
Insiders said Gio’s pal Anton would fun the investigation into Gio difficult after they formed a close bond.
After winning Strictly in 2023 with Rose Ayling-Ellis, Giovanni’s star appeared to be on the rise.
The Strictly pro became a fan favourite and soon landed a travel show with the show judge, titled Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily.
Giovanni and Anton built up a reputation as a duo, recently airring their second series on the BBC earlier this year.
In the travel show, Giovanni took Anton to his hometown of Sicily to show him the sights and local communities.
The pair are also touring together with the show Him & Me, last summer and again earlier this year.
It had been feared Anton would turn his back on Gio given the circumstances and complaints storm.
Gio’s Strictly former celebrity partners have logged various complaints about his training methods.
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”.
Korina Travis, a professional dancer who worked with Giovanni in the past, has also spoken out against him.
She performed with him at private functions and released a damning statement about his behaviour.
She said: “I’ve known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me.
“I will not speak about my experiences with him but I’m glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is. I’ll leave it at that.”
