Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has addressed Giovanni Pernice ’s exit from the BBC dancing show. The BBC announced earlier this month that Pernice , who was the longest-serving professional on the show, having joined in 2015, will not be part of the cast for the 2024 instalment of the competition. His departure follows after the dancer faced a flurry of allegations from several former celebrity contestants, including Amanda Abbington , Ranvir Singh , and Laura Whitmore , over his teaching methods while on the show.
The 33-year-old, who has been a staple on Strictly since 2015, has said publicly that there are “untrue” stories about his behaviour and that he is looking forward to clearing his name and “establishing the truth” . Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (25 June), fellow Strictly pro Marquez, who joined the series in 2016, was asked about Pernice’s exit and its impact on the cast. “It’s like when Anton Du Beke decided to go do the jazz role, everybody is missed, everybody is a big part of the show when they leave or change their careers.
It’s sad for everybody,” the dancer said. Asked by host Adil Ray if he was still in touch with Pernice, Marquez replied: “Yeah, sometimes we speak, obviously he’s busy, he’s on tour with Anton.” Following Pernice’s exit, Marquez is now the longest-serving professional competing in the dance competition.
Pernice and judge Anton Du Beke are currently touring their live double-act.