Giovanni Pernice dumps BBC for Channel 4 show

In September 2024, Giovanni Pernice, a professional dancer known for his participation in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, lost his place in the competition following a series of complaints made by actress Amanda Abbington. Abbington alleged that she experienced a toxic environment while partnered with Pernice, leading her to leave the show during week six of the previous season. A subsequent internal investigation by the BBC into Abbington's complaints upheld six out of 17 allegations against Pernice, particularly regarding verbal bullying and harassment. Although the inquiry found no evidence of physical aggression, the confirmation of other complaints prompted the BBC to apologize to Abbington for her experience on the show. After his exit from Strictly, Giovanni Pernice returned to Italy where he participated in the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing, known as Ballando con le Stelle. This temporary hiatus allowed Pernice to step away from the pressures of the British dance competition, but it also spurred conversations about his professional future following the scandal. In a surprising turn of events, it was announced in late December 2024 that Giovanni Pernice would be making a comeback on television as part of the cast for Channel 4's Celebrity Hunted, a reality show that features celebrities going on the run. The show aims to raise funds for Stand Up To Cancer, an initiative that gathers celebrities to generate awareness and financial support for cancer research. This series will air starting January 5, 2025, and will include other notable names such as Denise Welch and Duncan James, creating a diverse lineup of participants that promises excitement for viewers. Matt Bennett, the director of programmes for Shine TV, expressed enthusiasm about the show's format, highlighting that nothing beats watching beloved celebrities attempt to evade expertly trained hunters while contributing to a good cause. This venture marks a significant development for Pernice as he transitions from the BBC dance competition, where he faced serious allegations, to a new platform that allows him to showcase a different side of his personality in a more light-hearted yet competitive setting.