Giovanni Pernice sticks it to Strictly Come Dancing with defiant new statement

Giovanni Pernice may have been axed from Strictly Come Dancing but if his latest post is anything to go by, he is not prepared for it to cloud his future.

The professional dancer took to social media to show fans that he was in the midst of preparing for the Italian version of the BBC show, as he posted a picture of him with his latest contestant. And this came just hours before the launch of the new series last night [September 14], which marked the show's 20th anniversary.

Giovanni had been accused of bullying and "abuse" after Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with him last series, came forward. The was then supported by Laura Whitmore and presenter Ranvir Singh. And while the results of the BBC's investigation is yet to be released, Giovanni has clearly put the past behind him.

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Posing with his new celebrity partner singer and actress Bianca Guaccero for the show Ballando con le Stelle, the pair looked happier than ever as she was seen cheekily sticking her tongue out. He captioned the post: "Sweaty but... happy, loaded, willing to give their best and ready to make you have fun and dream! September 28 is getting closer. Are you ready to support us?"

Rushing to the comment section of the show, one fan wrote: "So sad we have lost you here in UK on strictly but hope you win trophy as you deserve after an awful year." Another person said: "Gio you thoroughly deserve this opportunity to continue to shine and light up our days." A third commented: "Can’t tell you how much I’ll miss you on the UK show. Good luck for Strictly in Italy."

But this is not Giovanni's only show keeping him busy, as he is also set to embark on a 78-date UK tour. News of his mammoth tour came just days before the results of the BBC misconduct probe was set to be released. The tour, The Last Dance, will start in January in Hayes and will run through until May in areas including Stoke, Halifax, Blackpool and Salford.

In an interview with The Sun on Sunday, Amanda slammed Giovanni for being cruel. She said: "I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people. I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show."

She added: "I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed. Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job. I was being as amenable as possible and it wasn’t being reciprocated, that’s all. And I wanted to complain about it because I didn’t think it was fair — this is a publicly owned company."

Soon after Giovanni was accused, Graziano Di Prima was also axed from the show following his treatment of his partner Zara McDermott. Amanda concluded her chat with the publication saying: "I’m proud of the people who have come forward. Daring to say something is a big step for people. The BBC must have been turning a blind eye and the fact other people have come forward must mean there is something going on that is endemic."

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