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Giovanni Pernice will be reunited with his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars – over a year since he left the show under a cloud following a bullying probe.
The Italian dancer, 35, was a professional on the BBC series but departed in 2024 after the controversy with actress Amanda Abbington.
A report into his conduct by the corporation saw her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour by Giovanni not upheld.
Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology but the dancer said at the time he was ‘pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour’.
Now Giovanni will be rejoin with his former co-stars for a themed experience titled Dancing With The Stars, showing just how close he has remained to them since his exit.
The event, which is not affiliated with the BBC, will see him, Anton Du Beke, Aljaž Škorjanec, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, Janette Manrara, Lauren Oakley and Karen Hauer come together for a dancing showcase.
Giovanni Pernice will be reunited with his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars – over a year since he left the show under a cloud following a bullying probe
He will star alongside Aljaž Škorjanec, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, Janette Manrara, Lauren Oakleyand Karen Hauer for a special external event in spring and summer of 2026 (his former co-stars pictured in 2025)
Anton Du Beke will also feature, reuniting the pals who once starred in their own travelogue BBC series together before the bullying probe
It’s set to take place during April and July at the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel & Spa in Newport and Beamount Estate, Old Windsor.
Teasing the evening, the organisers said: ‘Enjoy three days of spectacular dance lessons and showcases as the Stars perform up close and personal for a truly intimate experience unlike any other.
‘Learn to dance with them plus hear all about their Strictly journeys.’
The BBC has strict guidelines about its stars undertaking external work outside of the corporation, but it’s believed bosses have approved each star’s participation in the event.
Earlier this year Giovanni wowed his supporters when he went shirtless to show off his incredible five-week body transformation.
He proudly flaunted his toned physique and defined sick pack in the impressive before-and-after post.
Meanwhile, Giovanni has founded love again with Bianca Guaccero after his split from ex Molly Brown amidst the BBC investigation into his behaviour.
The couple were the winning pair on the Italian version of the BBC show, Ballando con le Stelle, and Giovanni gushed that Bianca ‘was exactly what he needed’ as he moved forward with his life.
Giovanni’s nine-year tenure on Strictly came to an end following an explosive bullying row with actress Amanda Abbington after she dramatically quit the show in 2023
Earlier this year Giovanni proudly flaunted his sculpted physique and defined six-pack in a shirtless before-and-after photo on Instagram
He previously told Heat magazine: ‘She came into my life during not the greatest time, so I needed some security.’
Meanwhile, earlier this year Amanda said she wasn’t sure if people still ‘liked’ her anymore after the bully row – or whether the public had ‘cancelled’ her.
She told The Times: ‘I don’t know what the industry thinks of me at the moment. I’ve been immersed in the aftermath of it all for a year.
‘I don’t know whether I’ve been cancelled or whether people don’t like me any more, but I know I did what I did for the right reasons. I feel good about the future.’
She added: ‘The fallout from it [the investigation] wasn’t something I was anticipating, but I’m glad I did it, I am. I’m glad that I stood up for myself because it’s the first time I’ve ever really done that.’
