Giovanni Pernice is in advanced talks to join the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.
The former Strictly Professional, 33, was booted from the British series after being accused of harassment by actress Amanda Abbington, 50, with whom he was dating last year.
BBC bosses are currently investigating allegations made against Giovanni, reviewing years of rehearsal footage of the dancer, who continues to resist his innocence.
Good Morning Britain presenter Laura Whitmore, 39, and Ranvir Singh, 46, are also believed to have reported their mistreatment to the broadcaster as they were paired with Giovanni on the show.
MailOnline understands that Giovanni, who “rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”, is preparing to start a new role on Dancing with the Stars in Italy, in a tactical move which he hopes will give him the opportunity to continue acting.
Giovanni Pernice is in advanced talks to join the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing, MailOnline can exclusively reveal
The former Strictly Professional was fired from the British series after being accused of harassment by actress Amanda Abbington, with whom he was a couple last year.
BBC bosses are currently investigating allegations made against Giovanni, reviewing years of footage during rehearsals of the dancer, who continues to resist his innocence (pictured in June).
A source told MailOnline: ‘Giovanni is in advanced talks to join the Italian version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars.
“Bosses are very keen to hire him as a judge given his fame and status in the UK, but are also open to the dancer performing as a professional, if he still wants to compete.
‘It’s a big step for Giovanni, who has considered the possibility of doing shows like I’m A Celeb, but dancing will always be his passion.
“All she wants is a new beginning and joining Dancing with the Stars in Italian will certainly give her the new chapter she’s been waiting for.”
Joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars in Italy will be Giovanni’s first big job since his Strictly axe.
She is currently performing alongside judge Anton Du Beke in his touring show and will appear on Friday night in Tunbridge Wells.
The live shows end on July 21 and Giovanni’s Dancing with the Stars show is believed to begin in August.
Giovanni’s former Strictly co-star Vito Coppola won the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, in 2021, before triumphing with Ellie Leach during last year’s British competition.
Joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars in Italy will be Giovanni’s first big job since his Strictly ax
The dancer joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 and remained on the line-up until this year, when bosses sacked him amid continued speculation about his training methods.
It has been reported that Giovanni’s former Strictly partners Amanda, Laura and Ranvir met to discuss the Italian’s coaching style and their negative experiences with him as a mentor.
The dancer joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 and remained on the line-up until this year, when bosses sacked him amid continued speculation about his training methods.
Law firm Carter Ruck confirmed it contacted the BBC regarding “numerous serious complaints” about his alleged behavior during the filming of Strictly.
It has been reported that Giovanni’s former Strictly partners Amanda, Laura and Ranvir met to discuss the Italian’s coaching style and their negative experiences with him as a mentor.
In response to his accusations, Giovanni posted a statement on his Instagram, insisting that the BBC investigation will eventually clear his name.
He said: ‘As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.
‘I am cooperating fully with the BBC’s ongoing investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have remained silent, but I look forward to the conclusion of the investigation and, ultimately, my name is cleared and the truth is established.’
MailOnline has contacted Giovanni’s representative for comment.
