Giovanni Pernice is set to reunite with a number of his former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars at a special dance event, more than a year after he left the BBC show following a high-profile bullying investigation.
The Italian professional dancer, 35, departed the series in 2024 after actress Amanda Abbington, 51, raised complaints about his conduct during their time paired together on the show.
A subsequent BBC investigation did not uphold claims of physical aggression or threatening behaviour. However, aspects of the complaint relating to verbal conduct were partially upheld, prompting the corporation to issue an apology. Pernice said at the time that he was “pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour”.
Now, the dancer will appear alongside several familiar faces from the ballroom for a themed dance experience titled Dancing With The Stars.
The event is not affiliated with the BBC but will see Pernice share the stage with former Strictly professionals including Anton Du Beke, Aljaž Škorjanec, Gorka Márquez, Kai Widdrington, Janette Manrara, Lauren Oakley and Karen Hauer.
Set to take place between April and July, the three-day experience will be hosted at venues including the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport and Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor.
Organisers have promised guests “spectacular dance lessons and showcases” with opportunities to learn directly from the stars and hear stories from their Strictly journeys in an intimate setting.
The BBC maintains strict guidelines around external commercial work undertaken by its talent, but it is understood that participation in the event has been approved on an individual basis.
Away from the dancefloor, Pernice has remained in the public eye. Earlier this year he shared a dramatic five-week fitness transformation with fans, showcasing his toned physique in a social media post.
He has also found love again with Italian television presenter Bianca Guaccero, following his split from ex-partner Molly Brown during the period of the BBC investigation.
The pair went on to win the Italian dance competition Ballando con le Stelle, with Pernice previously saying Guaccero “came into my life at a time when I really needed security”.
Abbington, meanwhile, has spoken candidly about the impact of the controversy on her career, admitting earlier this year that she was unsure how the industry now views her but stood by her decision to speak out, saying she felt “good about the future”.
