Giovanni Pernice has revealed who he wants to win Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer, 33, pulled out of the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show before this year’s competition began following allegations of bullying by his ex-partner Amanda Abbington.
Giovanni was cleared of ten of Amanda’s 16 allegations when the BBC investigation concluded in September, but remained absent for the current edition of the series.
On Saturday, the pro took to Instagram to reveal that he’s backing JLS singer JB Gill and Lauren Oakley for the Glitterball Trophy.
He said: ‘Good luck to this fantastic duo tonight! but especially to our prom queen @laurenmayoakley.’
Lauren was recruited as a replacement for Amy Dowden, who had to leave the series midway through due to a foot injury.
Giovanni Pernice has revealed who he wants to win Strictly Come Dancing following his sacking earlier this year.
The dancer, 33, pulled out of the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show before this year’s competition began following bullying allegations from Amanda Abbington (pictured).
This year marked her return to the show after a year-long absence while she underwent breast cancer treatment.
JB and Lauren are battling comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, as well as Miranda star Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola.
Following his abrupt departure from the show, Giovanni appeared on the Italian version of Strictly.
Just a few days ago, her return to the UK was announced and it was revealed that she will appear alongside other TV stars in a new show for Channel 4.
Although bosses found Giovanni to be neither threatening nor physically abusive, he did confirm some of Amanda’s complaints about bullying and verbal harassment.
The BBC also agreed with Amanda that at times it seemed to be giving her overly negative feedback.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for Giovanni said: “We are pleased that this six-month review found no evidence of threatening or abusive behavior by Giovanni.
Giovanni took to social media amid the Strictly grand final to share his support for JLS star JB Gill and his professional partner Lauren Oakley.
Lauren (pictured) was recruited as a replacement for Amy Dowden, who had to leave the series midway through the series due to a foot injury.
Since being fired from Strictly Come Dancing, Giovanni appeared on Dancing with the Stars in Italy (pictured with Bianca Guaccero in November 2024).
“Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of the allegations made to the BBC have not been confirmed and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.”
Sources have told MailOnline that Amanda’s bullying allegations amount to Giovanni insulting her and not giving her enough feedback during rehearsal sessions that took place last autumn. she too He claimed that his partner stepped on his toe.
One said: ‘Giovanni has never tried to say he’s not a tough taskmaster, but he’s not a bully and no evidence of that was found.
‘It was an evidence-based investigation and there was simply no evidence to support what she was saying about Giovanni. “He denied it all along and now he has been exonerated.”
Sources close to Sicilian heartthrob Giovanni say he spent a lot of time trying to counsel Amanda, who by her own admission was a “nightmare.”