Giovanni Pernice names which BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars have supported him and says they're 'a big family'

Giovanni Pernice has named the Strictly Come Dancing stars who he has remained friends with since his exit from the hit dance show.

The dancer was recently named winner of the Italian version of Strictly and Dancing with the Stars, Ballando Con Le Stelle, with his celebrity partner and real-life girlfriend Bianca Guaccero. It came months after a decision was made not to invite him back to the UK version of the dance show.

The decision for him not to return as a pro dancer followed an investigation into his behaviour on the show, he was cleared of the most serious allegations. The BBC apologised to Sherlock star Amanda Abbington as they upheld some of her complaints against her former dance partner during the 2023 series.

Giovanni has since said he "would love to" return to Strictly. However, he doesn't think producers want him back. He told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "I think they have closed the book on that and moved on. I would love to go back to 'Strictly' because 'Strictly' changed my life. It is a massive show, but I don’t think they’re going to have me back. They’re not.

"I’m upset as well. It’s been a great, great, great ten years. I achieved everything. But it’s not my choice, it’s not my decision. Everybody has moved on. Maybe I might come back in a few years like Alijaz. I think this is the path we take. And don’t forget, I’m the reigning Italian champion."

Now, in a new interview, Giovanni has revealed who he is still on speaking terms with from the BBC dance competition. "I’m obviously still in touch with my best friend, which is Anton Du Beke," the Italian dancer shared with heatworld.

"All of the judges have been super supportive, I’m very close with Kai [Widdrington], we did Celebrity Hunted together. Lauren [Oakley], most of the professionals," Giovanni continued. "I’m pretty much in touch with all of them. We’ve all spent a lot of time together and we’ve all built a nice friendship. We are a big family."