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Strictly Come Dancing's Kristina Rihanoff has spoken out in support of Giovanni Pernice after he has been axed from the BBC One dance series. Former show professional Kristina, 46, called Giovanni, 33, one of the show's best dancers and choreographers as she hit out at his exit - saying it would be a huge blow for the series. This week the professional dancers taking part in the 2024 series were announced.

Fans immediately noticed that Giovanni was missing - and it has now been confirmed he won't be returning for the 20 year celebrations. The professional dancer hit the headlines during the 2023 series amid allegations of training room rows with his then celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington and he has denied allegations of "threatening and abusive" behaviour . Responding to the speculation, Giovanni said in a statement: "Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.



" Talking about the Strictly line-up on Tuesday's This Morning and Giovanni's axe, Kristina, who appeared on the series from 2008 until 2015, said: "The news, I'm very saddened because I think when you lose one of the best choreographers and dancers on the show, as a professional dancer, I can say that it is very sad as he produced some very memorable dances and took quite a few of his celebrity partners through to the final. So from a professional point of view, I think the show will lose a wonderful dancer and choreographer." She added: "I'm no.

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