Gorka Marquez addresses Giovanni Pernice's exit from Strictly Come Dancing as he's put on spot

Gorka Marquez has shared his response to Giovanni Pernice's exit from Strictly Come Dancing as he was put on the spot during a live TV appearance. The dancer was quizzed alongside Karen Hauer as they appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (June 25).

The pair were on the ITV news programme to chat about their return to the BBC One dance contest as it celebrates its 20th birthday and their own tour, Speak Easy, which they begin next year.

Earlier this month, the BBC confirmed the professional dancer line-up for the 2024 series of Strictly with Gorka and Karen joined by reigning champion Vito Coppola and Amy Dowden, who returns to the show after being unable to compete last year after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and undergoing treatment.

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Other dancers who will return include Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.

Notably, Giovanni was not among the names confirmed. He has been a part of the dancing show since 2015 when he reached the grand final with Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote. Later, in 2021, he lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf contestant to win.

The 33-year-old was last paired with Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who withdrew from the competition in 2023 citing “personal reasons” but Giovanni has since been subject to a number of allegations regarding his conduct in the training room which he rejects.

After speaking about the return of Strictly this autumn, Susanna Reid turned the chat to Giovanni's exit and how losing a dancer of his standard affects the 'Strictly family'. Gorka took the question, responding: "I think it's like when Aljaz [Skorjanec] left and when Oti [Mabuse] left or when Anton decided to go to the judge role, everybody's missed.

"Everybody is a big a part of the show so when someone decides to leave or change their careers, it's sad for everybody." Adil Ray then asked if he's in touch with Giovanni to which Gorka said: "Yeah, sometimes we speak. Obviously he's so busy, he's on tour with Anton..."

Meanwhile, Karen became emotional as she spoke of late co-star and friend Robin Winsdor, who tragically died in February, with there set to be a show in tribute to him later this year, hosted by Anton and Robin's friend and former dance partner Lisa Riley.

"It was a terrible loss," Gorka said. "He was so loved by everybody and it's so beautiful that we get to do this special show to remember him and celebrate him." Karen continued: "He's definitely missed and just sending love to his family and all of his friends." She added, appearing to hold back the tears: "We miss him so much..."