Giovanni Pernice posted on social media ahead of Strictly Come Dancing’s live return this weekend

Giovanni Pernice posted on social media ahead of the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing’s new series, which he isn’t a part of, with him instead on Italy’s version this year

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has taken to social media ahead of the first live show of the new series.

Giovanni is currently showcasing his moves on Italy’s version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, where he’s paired up with Bianca Guaccero. The show follows Strictly’s concept, pairing celebrities with professional dancers each year. The dancer – who was sacked by the BBC just several months ago – uploaded a video on Saturday and said he and Bianca were addressing their last performance. He wrote alongside it: “This is us talking about the judges… What they can expect from us and what Bianca feels about it. (Very excited and will take everything on board to make the next dance better).”

The professional dancer left Strictly after his celebrity partner from last year, Amanda Abbington, expressed concern of his training, which sparked a BBC investigation into accusations levelled against him during his time on the show. Amanda had unexpectedly departed from the show, put down to “personal reasons” at the time. Amanda, has since said that she’s complained about her former dance partner Giovanni. She’s made allegations of “bullying” and “aggressive behaviour,” but Giovanni has however denied “abusive or threatening behaviour”.

In one of his statements addressing the controversy, released in July, Giovanni told fans that he has “always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”. He added at the time: “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.”

He was previously a dancer on Strictly Come Dancing but left after competing with Amanda Abbington last year ( Image: Ray Burniston/BBC/PA Wire)

A source recently told the Sun on Sunday: “Whatever the outcome of the inquiry, Amanda has no regrets. She knows what went on in that rehearsal room. And she knows it was unacceptable. Amanda has given the BBC all the information she can to help them with the investigation.

“Amanda was greatly reassured during her first interview when she was told by the BBC investigators that her account was fully believed – and now it is down to the corporation to release their findings. Her biggest concern, from day one, has been to ensure that others don’t have to go through the same traumatic experience that she has.”

Despite expectations that a resolution would be reached before the 2024 series, such a conclusion has yet to emerge. Strictly kicked off its latest series last weekend and the live shows began on Saturday. An array of celebrities will take to the dancefloor in the series. Chatting with Amol Rajan on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, BBC director general Tim Davie said recently: “Many things in life would be useful, but we have to do the process.” Amid the controversy, the BBC announced in July that it was introducing “additional steps to strengthen welfare and support”, including having a production team member present in training room rehearsals “at all times”.