Giovanni Pernice paired with stunning star for Italian version of Strictly after Amanda Abbington bullying probe
GIOVANNI Pernice’s partner for Italy’s version of Strictly Come Dancing has been unveiled.
In May, Giovanni quit the BBC dance show ahead of an official investigation being launched about his rehearsal room conduct.
Having joined Italian counterpart Ballando con le stelle, he is set to partner actress and singer Bianca Guaccero.
A clip posted on the show’s Instagram page sees Giovanni, 34, and Bianca, 43, meeting up for the first time.
In the short video, the duo introduce themselves and kiss each other on the cheek.
Giovanni previously appeared as pro dancer on Strictly from 2015 to 2023.
His 2023 partner, former Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, claimed she was the victim of physical, mental and sexual abuse at Giovanni’s hands – which he firmly denies.
This includes the actress previously admitting she’d “vomit and cry” after rehearsals.
Meanwhile, the resulting investigation is believed to have cost the BBC thousands of pounds.
Another dancer, Graziano Di Prima, was later fired after unearthed video footage of his behaviour towards Zara McDermott in rehearsals was brought forward by a member of staff.
Earlier this month, Giovanni took to Instagram to reveal his new role on the Italian version.
He captioned: “Hey guys !! I’m delighted to announce that from next week I will be joining the cast of @ballandoconlestelle – the Italian Dancing with the Stars.”
Fans shared their support, as one wrote: “Amazing news!!! Congrats.”
Another added: “This is just so perfect for you, congratulations! I’m so happy for you.”
A third shared: “Congratulations. The BBC’s loss is Italy’s gain.
“Can we watch it anywhere? Is it streamed? Good luck.”
Former Strictly partner Michelle Visage commented: “Go win and DON’T VOGUE.”
Strictly's full scandal so far
Strictly Come Dancing's scandal has been growing over the past few months, with several major players speaking out about what went on. Here are the key moments of what's happened so far
16th May: Giovanni Pernice sensationally quits Strictly Come Dancing after nine years on the show.
17th May: Giovanni becomes the centre of an official investigation after three former partners – believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh – make complaints to the BBC.
16th June: Giovanni releases an official statement vowing to clear his name and denies any wrongdoing.
8th July: Strictly confirms Aljaz Skorjanec will return to the series, replacing Giovanni, after initially quitting the show two years ago.
10th July: Amanda Abbington launches fresh legal proceedings to get the rehearsal footage from her time with Giovanni, after allegedly he refused to release the videos.
13th July: Graziano Di Prima is axed from Strictly for “gross misconduct” after footage of his treatment of Zara McDermott is brought to the attention of the BBC.
Graziano quickly broke his silence, apologising for his behaviour in a statement and saying he “deeply regrets it”, adding his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected his training regime.”
15th July: Strictly bosses implement new duty of care protocols, including having a chaperone present throughout all rehearsals.
16th July: Zara McDermott speaks out publicly for first time. She states while the production team were “amazing to work with”, she found the rehearsal room “completely different”, confirming there’s footage of “certain situations”.
19th July: Anton Du Beke is put under the spotlight for his “1970s attitude” and treatment of female celeb stars, particularly after allegedly referring to 2009 partner Laila Rouass as a “p***” after getting a spray tan.
21st July: Paralympian Will Bayley, who has limb condition arthrogryposis, revealed he was encouraged to leap from a table during a dance routine, despite fears. The stunt caused an injury that forced him to withdraw from the show.
22nd July: MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace admits he broke down in tears and got a nasty stress rash on his face during his time on Strictly in 2014.
22nd July: Despite ongoing issues, the Strictly professional cast begin rehearsals for this year’s series.
23rd July: Celebrity agent Melanie Blake claims she was sexually assaulted by an unnamed pro dancer while backstage on the show, and claims she witnessed ageism, rudeness and a rough treatment to the point of injury.
23rd July: Strictly is forced to beef up security after ‘an intruder scales the wall of the rehearsal studio’.
23rd July: BBC boss Tim Davie breaks his silence on the ongoing allegations against Strictly, saying he is ‘deeply sorry’, adding: “Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew have been part of it and had a brilliant experience.
“At the same time if someone thinks there was something wrong or they want to talk about their experience then of course we want them to raise that with us. Be in no doubt we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate.”
24th July: Strictly 2023 star Krishnan Guru-Murthy holds a bombshell interview with Amanda Abbington on Channel 4 news, where she claims she was bullied, with some of the ‘humilation being of a sexual nature’.
27th July: Laura Whitmore releases a statement regarding her Strictly experience, saying “I thought my experience was specific to me but I’ve since learned I was wrong”.
She adds she is not part of the official complaint, but has come forward to support Amanda with the BBC, alongside others.
28th July: Laila Rouass speaks out against the accusations regarding Anton Du Beke, saying she “never felt pressured” by him and “personally insisted on six to seven hours training a day”.
10th August: Graziano breaks his silence on his Strictly axe, saying “these vile, false allegations have ruined my life.”
He also told of the “shocking” end to his friendship with Zara McDermott.
We also revealed that Amanda Abbington was also quizzed for a second time as Strictly execs recruited 15 new staff to monitor rehearsals.
11th August: Just as the investigation was expected to conclude, Amanda made a dramatic intervention. Giovanni was on the brink of being cleared until Amanda handed in more text messages.
24th August: Graziano Di Prima called in top lawyers to sue the BBC and to try to clear his name. He recruited big hitters Whitestone Chambers to fight his corner.
A source said: “They’ve also looked at his BBC contract and believe there are grounds to sue.”
Meanwhile, the BBC also delayed releasing the findings of the probe into Giovanni Pernice. The Sun revealed that the results of the three-month investigation were unlikely to be announced in August.
His new dance partner, Bianca, has also worked as a TV host in Italy.
Ted Lasso star and Strictly fan Hannah Waddingham wrote: “Buona fortuna Bello! Xxxx”
The star’s comment translates “good luck, handsome.”
As for UK Strictly, it will kick start the landmark 20th year with a launch show on Saturday night.