Showbiz I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice . BBC Breakfast addressed Giovanni Pernice 's departure from Strictly Come Dancing during Tuesday’s show following news that the Italian dancer would not be returning this year .
The Italian professional dancer, 33, has been on the BBC show since 2015 when he reached the grand final with Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote. The BBC did not announce Pernice as part of its line-up of professional dancers for 2024 following reports that he would not compete. Sicily-born Pernice, a previous winner of the Italian Championships dance competition, was last paired with Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington , who withdrew from the competition in 2023 citing “personal reasons”.
In 2021, Pernice lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf contestant to win. It was reported that the BBC recently launched an internal investigation after her was accused of “threatening and abusive behaviour” towards former celebrity partners. Pernice previously rejected allegations of “abusive or threatening behaviour” and said he looks “forward to clearing my name”.
Acknowledging Pernice’s absence from the upcoming installment, BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent noted that while Amy Dowden will make a return to the show following her breast cancer battle, the Italian dancer would not. Speaking during a segment wit.