Giovanni Pernice – Latest News: Career, Relationships 2024

Giovanni Pernice spent nearly a decade as one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most decorated professional dancers, winning the glitterball trophy in 2021 alongside Rose Ayling-Ellis. Then 2024 arrived — and with it, a string of controversies that sidelined him from the BBC show entirely. But while the British entertainment industry moved on, Pernice found fresh success across the Channel, reigniting conversations about his career trajectory, his personal relationships, and whether a return to Strictly might ever be on the cards.

Instagram Followers: 1M · Recent Win: Italian Strictly · Age: 34 · Partnered with Amanda Abbington: 2023 · Best Friend Tribute: Anton Du Beke

The following table consolidates verified career milestones and complaint outcomes.

What is Giovanni Pernice doing now?

Giovanni Pernice is back in the public eye after what he publicly described as a difficult year. In late 2024, he posted on social media with a message that captured his relief at moving forward: “Sorry for my language but 2024 can f**k off. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the back of it.” The post resonated widely with fans who had followed his turbulent months on the sidelines of British television.

Recent Strictly exit

Pernice was not included in the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 professional dancer lineup announced by the BBC. The exclusion came amid serious complaints about his conduct during rehearsals with celebrity partners. The BBC upheld complaints of verbal bullying and harassment against him in September 2024, though he was cleared of physical aggression allegations among the 16 total complaints filed by Amanda Abbington. His legal firm Schillings presented evidence to the BBC in his defence, with Pernice himself vowing to clear his name over what he called “false” claims.

Italian dance show win

While his UK career faced uncertainty, Pernice found redemption on Italian television. He won the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 with partner Bianca Guaccero, a victory that provided a significant boost to his professional standing abroad. The pair appeared together on the Rai show La Volta Buona on December 11, 2024, further cementing their partnership in the public eye.

Upcoming tours

Pernice has indicated interest in a potential career shift towards acting and improving his English language skills. He also hinted at learning sign language as a potential new skill, a nod perhaps to his celebrated partnership with Rose Ayling-Ellis, who is deaf. Meanwhile, a tour with long-time friend Anton Du Beke is reportedly in the works, giving fans a chance to see the pair perform together.

Why did Kai and Giovanni split up?

Giovanni Pernice and Kai Widdrington, once frequent partners on Strictly Come Dancing, went their separate ways both professionally and personally over the course of 2024. The split came during a period when both dancers were reassessing their careers following the controversies that sidelined Pernice from the BBC show.

Business separation details

The professional partnership between Pernice and Widdrington, who had danced together in group numbers and maintained a visible friendship on the Strictly circuit, dissolved as both navigated the fallout from Pernice’s exclusion. Reports suggest the separation was partly practical — with Pernice unable to participate in Strictly, their joint professional activities became limited — and partly personal, as the allegations placed strain on their working relationship.

Survival reasons

Sources close to both dancers indicated that the split was necessary for their individual survival in the entertainment industry. Widdrington continued with Strictly while Pernice pursued opportunities abroad. The decision to part ways reportedly allowed each to focus on their own careers without the complication of association with the ongoing controversies.

Is Rose Ayling Ellis still friends with Giovanni?

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice captured national attention when they won Strictly Come Dancing together in 2021, their Paso Doble performance becoming one of the show’s most celebrated moments. Their partnership was built on mutual respect, with Ayling-Ellis’s determination and Pernice’s choreography creating television that resonated deeply with audiences.

Friendship status updates

Reports from 2024 suggest their friendship has become strained, if not broken entirely. Following the allegations against Pernice and his eventual exclusion from Strictly, the nature of their relationship shifted. While neither party has publicly addressed the full details of their current standing, insiders have described the bond as “broken” in several news reports. The timing of the rift — coinciding with the complaints filed by Amanda Abbington and other celebrity partners — suggests the controversies may have indirectly affected their dynamic.

Rose Ayling-Ellis background

Rose Ayling-Ellis, who is deaf in real life, became the first deaf winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. Her partnership with Pernice was particularly significant because of the way he adapted his teaching methods to support her needs. The pair’s famous silent Paso Doble, performed without music to highlight the experience of being deaf, won widespread praise and a BAFTA. Pernice has previously described himself as a perfectionist who cares deeply about his partners, suggesting his approach with Ayling-Ellis reflected a genuine investment in her success.

Is Giovanni in a relationship with Bianca?

Giovanni Pernice and Bianca Guaccero’s partnership on the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 yielded immediate results: they won the competition together, with Guaccero publicly thanking Pernice for his dedication and skill. The victory sparked immediate speculation about whether their professional collaboration had evolved into something more personal.

Bianca Guaccero details

Bianca Guaccero is an Italian television presenter and actress who served as Pernice’s celebrity partner on the Italian Strictly equivalent. She is 44 years old, while Pernice is 34, making their age gap a frequent point of comment in media coverage. Guaccero has been open about her admiration for Pernice’s dance expertise, describing the experience of working with him as transformative. The pair appeared together on Rai’s La Volta Buona on December 11, 2024, where their on-screen chemistry drew attention from viewers.

Recent sightings

While the pair have not officially confirmed a romantic relationship, their frequent public appearances together — both during the competition and in its aftermath — have fueled speculation. Pernice has not publicly addressed dating rumours, maintaining a focus on his career developments. Guaccero, similarly, has kept details of her personal life relatively private, though she has spoken warmly about her partner in interviews.

Is Anton Du Beke still friends with Giovanni Pernice?

Anton Du Beke has been one of Pernice’s most consistent supporters throughout his Strictly career, and that loyalty has endured even through the difficulties of 2024. The pair, who first connected through their shared Italian heritage and love of dance, developed a friendship that extended beyond the professional realm.

Best friend tribute

In late 2024, Pernice publicly paid tribute to Du Beke, calling him his “best friend” in a social media post that acknowledged the elder dancer’s support during his most challenging period. The gesture resonated with fans who had watched their friendship develop on Strictly’s professional circuit over the years. Du Beke, in turn, has spoken fondly of Pernice in interviews, praising his talent and character despite the controversies that have surrounded him.

Strictly return comments

When asked about Pernice’s potential return to Strictly Come Dancing, Du Beke broke his silence with measured support. While acknowledging the seriousness of the complaints upheld by the BBC, he expressed hope that his friend would have the opportunity to return to the show in the future. The comments were interpreted as a careful balance between loyalty and respect for the BBC’s processes.

The timeline below tracks key moments in Pernice’s Strictly trajectory, from his 2015 debut through his 2024 Italian victory.

“Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.”

— Giovanni Pernice, May 2024 statement

“Sorry for my language but 2024 can f**k off. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the back of it.”

— Giovanni Pernice, late 2024

“There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering.”

— Carter-Ruck law firm (representing complainants)

“I look forward to clearing my name over what I consider to be false claims.”

— Anton Du Beke on Pernice’s potential Strictly return, 2024

The path forward for Giovanni Pernice is anything but straightforward. The BBC investigation’s conclusion in September 2024 marked the end of one chapter — the formal complaints process — but opened questions about what comes next for the dancer. His Italian victory with Bianca Guaccero offered a professionally satisfying outcome, but whether it translates into renewed opportunities in the UK remains uncertain. For Strictly producers, the decision about whether to welcome him back carries reputational weight given the upheld complaints. For Pernice himself, the choices ahead — touring with Anton Du Beke, pursuing acting, or rebuilding his British television profile — will determine whether 2024 becomes a turning point or merely a difficult year he looks to put behind him.

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