Giovanni Pernice pushes to return to Strictly while in Italy

Italy's Giovanni Pernice has recently sparked discussions about a possible return to the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, where he previously competed as a professional dancer. His departure from the show was prompted by serious complaints made by his dance partner, Amanda Abbington, during the 2023 series. Amanda's allegations centered around claims of inappropriate behavior, leading to a formal investigation by the BBC, which ultimately upheld several complaints against him. Pernice has defended himself to the media, insisting he is not a bully and asserting that his time with Abbington was mischaracterized. He expressed feelings of being victimized by the process and reiterated a longing to return to the show, claiming he has unfinished business. Despite his claims of innocence, the investigation concluded that he violated several of the BBC's policies, including those addressing bullying and harassment. As speculation swirls around his potential comeback, the BBC faces mounting pressure to address the situation transparently. They have already issued a public apology to Abbington regarding the treatment she endured, and bringing Pernice back could lead to significant backlash, particularly from her supporters. The network is caught in a complicated situation, weighing audience reactions against internal policy and the outcomes of the investigation. Overall, the possibility of Pernice's return remains contentious, with many stakeholders watching closely. The outcome could redefine the landscape of the show and impact the experiences of its participants moving forward.