Giovanni Pernice 'quits' Strictly Come Dancing 'to focus on other projects'

Giovanni Pernice is talk of the town due to new claims (Image: GETTY)

Strictly Come Dancing fave Giovanni Pernice is quitting the show and has begun negotiations to join another, according to reports. It was suggested that the BBC had been very keen to continue working with him, despite a disappointing result in 2023 when he was forced to pull out after his showbiz partner Amanda Abbington quit.

However an internal memo featuring this year's pro dancers has reportedly been circulated without his name on, The Sun claims. Could it be time for a fresh start for the Italian pro, who is well-known for his focus and determination to win?

Express.co.uk has approached reps for Giovanni and the BBC for comment. A source reported by The Sun suggested: "Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start.

“He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times." The source continued that the star "knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age".

function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114945&playerApiId=v114945');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114945"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

They added: “He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he’s just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority."

READ MORE: Strictly's Shirley Ballas candidly reflects on 'tough' upbringing [INSIGHT]

Giovanni Pernice has reportedly quit Strictly (Image: BBC)

Thus far, the BBC has remained tight-lipped when quizzed on Giovanni's future, simply announcing: "The Professional Dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course."

Giovanni shared his disappointment when his partner Amanda bowed out during last year's show, citing personal and medical reasons.

She subsequently revealed that she'd had mild PTSD, leading some to worry that the intensely competitive nature of the show had become too much for her.

On a podcast, Giovanni recently confirmed: "I am a perfectionist, 100 per cent, but it comes from a perspective of caring. I think all of the professional dancers are in the same place."

Don't miss...
Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke lands new TV role after successful series [NEW ROLE]
Giovanni Pernice tells girlfriend Molly 'I love you' in sultry holiday pics [PICTURES]
Amanda Abbington reacts to Strictly BAFTA win after ‘row’ with Giovanni Pernice [LATEST]

Giovanni Pernice on the red carpet (Image: GETTY) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Giovanni is not currently in the country, as he has been holidaying in glitzy Dubai with girlfriend Molly Brown.

The pair are since thought to have flown to a European resort.

Although he may be leaving Strictly, it is not thought to be a goodbye to the BBC, as the channel has reportedly commissioned another series of his hugely popular show, Giovanni and Anton’s Adventures in Spain.

The suspenseful travel series features him and Strictly judge Anton du Beke living it up - and viewers are said to be keen for more.

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240514.min.js"

Giovanni Pernice 'quits' Strictly Come Dancing 'to focus on other projects'

Giovanni Pernice 'quits' Strictly Come Dancing 'to focus on other projects'

Giovanni Pernice 'quits' Strictly Come Dancing 'to focus on other projects'

Giovanni Pernice 'quits' Strictly Come Dancing 'to focus on other projects'

Giovanni Pernice 'quits' Strictly Come Dancing 'to focus on other projects'