Yahoo News Giovanni Pernice releases statement following Strictly 2024 exit
Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has released a statement following the news he won't be competing in this year's series.
The dancer's future on the show was recently called into question after reports of an internal inquiry at the BBC, which followed complaints of his behaviour during show training.
Pernice has now taken to Instagram (June 16) to thank fans for their support and shared his hopes of "establishing the truth".
"To my fans and followers," he began. "Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media.
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"As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.
"I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth."
He concluded: "I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support — [your] messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni."
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The Strictly star previously responded to the allegations in an Instagram post, rejecting "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour".
The BBC said in May that any complaint made was being taken seriously, with the broadcaster saying it was taking "any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken".
Pernice appeared in the 2023 series with Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, who quit the show mid-season for "personal reasons".
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Pernice is the only star not to return for this year's series of Strictly, with his name missing from the list of dancers released on June 10.
No new dancers are joining the show, but the 2024 series will see the anticipated return of long-standing cast member Amy Dowden, who missed last year's series after being diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving treatment.
Amy recently broke her silence on coming back, saying she is "so happy and grateful" to be returning to the ballroom.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will also be back for the upcoming series, as will presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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