Giovanni Pernice set for big payout with extensive UK tour amid Strictly scandal

Giovanni Pernice
-Credit: (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)


Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice is eyeing new horizons with the announcement of an ambitious 78-date tour across the UK and Ireland.

Having left the BBC dance contest earlier in the year, Giovanni was subject to an internal probe surrounding the conduct of several stars towards their celebrity partners on the show, reports the Mirror.

He became embroiled in controversy following bullying claims raised by actress Amanda Abbington, who had been his partner, earlier this year. However, Giovanni has strongly refuted these accusations.

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Amidst parallel circumstances, fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima also made an exit after an inquiry into his rehearsal room behaviour with Love Island alumnus Zara McDermott last season. In July, while addressing the situation that led to his departure, Graziano expressed his deep regret.

Shifting focus from the tensions of Strictly, Giovanni Pernice has disclosed his extensive plans for a new tour, signalling a fresh chapter as he moves forward. His awaited performances are set to light up venues such as Blackpool, Belfast, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dublin, Cardiff, among others.

Enthusiasm greeted Giovanni's announcement on social media, as he enthusiastically posted: "You know where to find me!"

The fanbase showed their support on the comment thread, with one follower quickly booking multiple shows: "Booked a few...," and another praised Giovanni's resilience: "So proud of how u have handled everything Giovanni [heart emoji] and strictly come dancing won the award last night wish u was there but ur heart and spirit was there."

One fan expressed excitement for Giovanni Pernice's solo tour, Giovanni: The Last Dance, saying: "Already booked in March! Can't wait for February the cast Doncaster! " Another admirer shared their anticipation: "Can't wait to see you again, take care gorgeous."

With a packed schedule of 78 consecutive shows from January to May, Giovanni is set to earn a substantial sum from his performances.

This news comes as a friend of Giovanni's disclosed that recent times have been "absolutely horrendous" for him following allegations of "bullying" and "abusive" behaviour levelled by Amanda Abbington, known for her role in Sherlock. These claims led to an internal investigation by the BBC, with a report on the findings expected to be published shortly.

After his exit from Strictly Come Dancing, Giovanni joined the Italian equivalent, Ballando con le Stelle, which a friend referred to as "sweet revenge" They commented: "I guess you could look at it as a kind of sweet revenge. He was adored by Strictly viewers, yet he has gone thanks to Amanda's claims but, in his mind, it is all Italy's gain."

Speaking to the Daily Mail, a close associate of Giovanni remarked: "He is so excited that he can keep on dancing and what makes it all the more lovely is that it will be in his home country. [The past few months have been] absolutely horrendous for Gio. He has been stuck in limbo. This will be a lovely boost for him."