GIOVANNI Pernice is in advanced talks to sign up to a major TV show after quitting Strictly, according to reports.

The Italian dancer left the BBC show under a cloud amid an internal investigation into his training room conduct following complaints from Amanda Abbington and three other former partners.

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Giovanni Pernice could soon be on the Italian version of StrictlyCredit: Getty

Giovanni has strongly denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.

The Mail is reporting that Gio could soon return to his native Italy to join its version of Strictly.

A source told the publication: “Bosses are really keen to sign him as a judge given his fame and status in the UK but are also open to the dancer performing as a professional, if he still wants to compete.

“It’s a great move for Giovanni, who has weighed up the possibility of doing shows like I’m A Celeb, but dance will always be his passion.

“All he wants is a fresh start and to join Dancing with the Stars in Italian will certainly give him the new chapter he’s been hoping for.”

Giovanni has busied himself with live performances throughout the Strictly fallout and is currently on the road with his best pal Anton du Beke.

The pair were cheered on in Guildford last night by Loose Women star Ruth Langsford.

The Sun first reported that Giovanni, 33, quit Strictly back in May after it emerged that there would be an investigation into allegations about behind the scenes ‘misconduct’.

It came after Giovanni’s last celebrity partner, Amanda, left the show early due to ‘medical reasons’ – and has since instructed legal firm Carter Ruck after claiming her time working with Giovanni left her with PTSD.

But now many supporters of the Italian dancer believe that Giovanni has been unfairly treated and feel like he was forced out before the probe has been finished.

Amanda Abbington Breaks Silence Amid Strictly Probe
One said: “Disgusting the way Gio has been treated, have been watching Strictly since the start but will boycott this year!”

Asecond chimed in: “Won’t be the same without Gio.”

“Strictly won’t be Strictly without Gio,” agreed a third.

The boycott threats come as Amanda was spotted looking tearful in the street after revealing she had received death threats.

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Amanda Abbington claims she has PTSD from working with GioCredit: Pixel8000

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Gio has refuted all allegations against himCredit: PA
She was seen visiting London member’s bar Groucho Club in Soho with friends and at one point, looked emotional with a pal.

Amanda was snapped shared a cuddle in the street with her actress friend Sue Vincent, who looked to be consoling her.

Amanda, who has quit social media, recently revealed she had been targeted by Gio supporters in the wake of him leaving the show, telling us: “I’m very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an ­indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.”

She has accused Giovanni of being “nasty” and “awful” to her, which the dancer has steadfastly denied.

In a statement at the weekend, Giovanni posted on social media: “To my fans and followers,” and continued in the text with the words: “As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.

“The latest accusations are simply false.

“I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.

“As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”

Many of Giovanni’s co-stars have been silent on the scandal, but he has received public support from former celeb partner Debbie McGee as well as head judge Shirley Ballas.

Debbie, who was partnered with Giovanni when she took part in the show back in 2017, said on Instagram: “I am heartbroken for @giovannipernice. My experience on Strictly will always be happy and life changing.

“Gio nurtured me through my grief and gave me confidence I could do things I thought was beyond me.”

During a recent public appearance, meanwhile, Shirley also vocalised how she would miss Giovanni.

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”.

She said: “I just spoke to Giovanni 30 minutes before coming here and I am going to one of his ballando classes to teach the jive. He is coming to my party on Sunday.

“You know, I can only talk from my own perspective.I have known Giovanni for ten years.

“He has always been to me, — and I will make that clear, to me — a perfect gentleman. I know he is a hard worker. He wants people to do the very best that they can do.

“Obviously, in my life, I was bullied a lot. I don’t condone bullying on any path.”

She added: “But I don’t believe gossip because things are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball.

 

“So my feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation and the truth will come out.

“So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely, 100 percent.”

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Shirley Ballas (second left) has publicly backed Gio, while Anton Du Beke (far right) is on tour with himCredit: BBC