Giovanni Pernice hints at BBC return with Strictly co-star after scandal sparked exit

Giovanni Pernice has revealed that he wouldn't rule out signing up for another BBC show, following his departure from Strictly Come Dancing. The 34-year-old said he "loves" The Traitors and is aware that the show has a celebrity version coming to screens later this year.

Quizzed on which other shows he'd like to sign up to, the dancer shared: "Definitely not MasterChef or Bake Off, I can't cook. I'd like to do Celebrity SAS, and the other show I love is The Traitors, they're making a celeb version, who knows?".

The 34-year-old's name is also frequently mentioned as a potential contestant for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, however he says it's unlikely that he'll sign up as it conflicts with his other work commitments.

Giovanni first gained fame on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, before leaving the show last year following allegations of "serious workplace misconduct". His 2023 partner Amanda Abbington accused him of "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean" behaviour during rehearsals, allegations which he has consistently denied.

Following her public complaint, several of his former celebrity partners shared their experiences with him.

Former Strictly contestant Debbie McGee shared a fond memory with Giovanni on her Instagram page. Alongside a picture of the pair, she wrote: "Happy memories, Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly."

Quizzed on her time with Giovanni in 2019, Michelle Visage told This Morning presenters that the pair "fought every day", but acknowledged that Giovanni's tough approach was what she was looking for.

Meanwhile, Laura Whitmore took to Instagram to share a lengthy statement, which included: "I thought my experience was specific to me but I've since learned I was wrong. The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop."

Giovanni has denied all allegations against him. In September, the BBC shared the results of their nine-month investigation into the complaints.

Of the 17 made against him, six of those regarding verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, but he was cleared of the more serious allegations of physical aggression.

Giovanni has expressed his desire to return to Strictly, telling Heat Magazine: "I would love to go back on Strictly, but I don't think they're going to have me on again."

He has since joined the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, which he won last year with his now-girlfriend, presenter and singer Bianca Guaccero.