Giovanni Pernice BBC travel series with Anton Du Beke 'cancelled'

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice posing together
-Credit: (Image: BBC/BBC Studios)


Giovanni Pernice has faced further setbacks after his recent Strictly Come Dancing controversy, as reports suggest his popular travel series has been 'shelved'.

The 33-year-old professional dancer toured Sicily and Spain with fellow Strictly star Anton Du Beke, charming viewers with their adventures that aired earlier this year. The series explored their birthplaces and ended with hints of a return to the screen soon.

However, Giovanni's reputation took a hit following his latest stint on the BBC dance show, where he partnered with actress Amanda Abbington in the 2023 series. Amanda withdrew early from the competition, citing medical reasons, and later disclosed she had developed post-traumatic stress disorder from her experience.

She allegedly described Giovanni as "abrasive" during their training sessions.

It is reported that Giovanni now faces legal challenges from three former Strictly partners over allegations, and BBC executives have initiated an internal probe. In response, Giovanni has publicly refuted any claims of "abusive or threatening behaviour".

It has been reported by the Mirror that the BBC will not be renewing the travel series featuring Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke. "Giovanni and Anton had conversations about another travel show and had discussed where they could go next after their trips to Sicily and Spain," a source revealed to The Sun.

"But Giovanni has now been told this won't be happening and there will not be another series. It's embarrassing because he'd actively hinted about getting another run but all discussions are off and he's been told the show is on the scrap heap now."

In the final episode of their last series, the dancers teased the possibility of future adventures. Anton remarked, "What a lovely, lovely way to spend the summer. Where to next? " To which Giovanni responded, "Well it doesn't really matter where we're going as long as we are together. I love you."

Meanwhile, there are whispers that Giovanni might be considering a career shift following suggestions he has left Strictly Come Dancing.

Speculation is rife that Giovanni has departed from Strictly after nine years, following a leaked internal memo that failed to list his name among this years professional dancers. According to Mail Online, Giovanni has registered Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House, which is associated with the 'operation of arts facilities'.

This move hints that Giovanni may be planning to establish his own dance school if he decides to hang up his Strictly dancing shoes.

Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Giovanni addressed the controversy swirling around him, writing: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."

He continued: "Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."

The Mirror has reached out to Anton and Giovanni's representatives, as well as the BBC, for comment.