Strictly's Giovanni Pernice confirms 'new partner' for the semi final after early exit

As the Strictly Come Dancing final edges closer, one professional dancer is returning to the semi-final. Giovanni Pernice, who was partnered with TV presenter Richie Anderson, was voted out of the show in just the second week - despite his show winning partnership in 2021 with with Rose Ayling-Ellis.

However, since being eliminated, Giovanni has continued to appear on Strictly in the group dances - and will be dancing with a new partner for the semi-final. Sharing the news on Instagram, Giovanni said he will be stepping out with fellow professional Katya Jones.

Giovanni reposted a video of the two in rehearsals with the caption: "Guess who's dancing together again this weekend?". Katya lasted longer in the competition than Giovanni, with her and former Arsenal defender Tony Adams even tipped to win at one point before he withdrew due to injury after landing in the bottom two.

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Meanwhile, there will be scheduling changes again for the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final. Instead of airing in its normal Saturday and Sunday night slots, it will air instead on Sunday, December 11 at 7.15pm for the main show and 8.15pm on Monday, December 12 for the results show. Fans have not been impressed by the schedule changes though.

One viewer wrote: "Bonkers just do the results show later on the Sunday night, we know the result show is pre-recorded on the night, it makes no sense to show it on the Monday." A second agreed, commenting: "So stupid, why are they having the Semi on Sunday and results on Monday, just do it all on the Sunday FFS...." A third wrote: "Just combine the main show and results show ffs".

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