Graziano Di Prima with his wife Giada Lini (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for art’otel Battersea Power Station)
Graziano Di Prima’s wife Giada Lini has teamed up with Giovanni Pernice as they both announced they are joining the cast of Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 29-year-old, who married Graziano in 2022, is a professional dancer on the TV show and has just confirmed on social media that her contract for the new season has been renewed. Giada shared a photo of herself in a long, red dress, with the caption: “Finally I can officially announce I will be part of the cast of the masters of @ballandoconlestelle 2024 for my 4th season.”
It comes after Giovanni, who alongside Graziano was axed from the Strictly line-up of professional dancers, announced at the weekend that he would also be joining Ballando con le Stelle. On Saturday evening, Giovanni shared the news with his fans on Instagram.
He said: “I’m excited because finally, I’m back on the dance floor and hopefully, I will create some new magic on the dance floor.” Expressing his extreme happiness to his followers, he then translated the message into Italian, explaining that there was now a whole new audience he was addressing.
Giada Lini is joining Ballando con le Stelle for her 4th season ( Image: Instagram/giada.lini)
Giovanni Pernice will also star in the Italian TV show ( Image: PA)
He captioned the video: “Hey guys!! I’m delighted to announce that from next week I will be joining the cast of @ballandoconlestelle – the Italian Dancing with the Stars. I can’t wait to get started and to get back to dancing for all of you! Thank you for all of your continued support!”
Giovanni, 34, was axed from Strictly Come Dancing as the BBC investigates bullying allegations made against him by Amanda Abbington, which he vehemently denies. Fellow Italian dancer Graziano, 30, was also axed after he admitted to kicking his dance partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.
Meanwhile, the probe at the BBC continues, with Amanda Amanda Abbington allegedly releasing new evidence to bosses, though it was recently suspected that the investigation could end soon, with the corporation relaying its findings in a matter of days. “The deadline has been looming and the BBC has been on pause with its result but the Ballando bosses love him, they adore him, and they have now signed him”, the insider continued.
“It is absolutely horrendous for Gio. He has been stuck in limbo and has been unable to move on with his life. It will be a lovely, lovely boost for him.” Making his debut on the Strictly dancefloor in 2014, Giovanni Pernice was one of the show’s longest-serving dancers before he was booted out of the competition.
In one of his statements, released in July, Giovanni told fans that he has “always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour,” adding: “I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”
When the accusations against Graziano were revealed, the professional dancer said: “While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away.” Continuing, he said: “I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.”
