Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice ‘appearing on show for 20th anniversary special’ after BBC probe

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Elllis’ performance from 2021 could be show on the show in a one-off special

Footage of one of Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis’ performances could reportedly feature in a one-off special for Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th anniversary.

It comes after the Italian professional dancer was axed from the BBC competition when his former Strictly partner Amanda Abbington accused him of bullying, and sparked the BBC probe. The dancer from Sicily was cleared by the BBC of 10 out of 16 ­allegations, while six claims were upheld.

And now, it has ben reported that footage of him could be shown on the show. A source claimed that the episode, that will air in December, will include some “iconic performances and familiar faces past and present” showcasing the show’s incredibly lengthy history.

According to reports, Giovanni, 34, could be seen in old footage from 2021 when he was partnered with EastEnders actress Rose – the first deaf contestant to win the Glitterball Trophy.

Giovanni left the show following complaints ( Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

It’s said footage of his performance with Rose could be shown ( Image: PA)

A source claimed to The Sun: “Giovanni made history when he won with Rose so footage from their emotional silent performance is set to feature.” The Mirror have reached out to the BBC for comment.

Giovanni was cleared of violence and physical abuse by the BBC investigation, with the final report stating that investigators did not find he had acted in an intimidating manner nor made threats. What it did find were what it called instances of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace”- and “belittling, dismissive and insulting” language including swear words.

The star left the dance competition behind and is back living in Rome where he is now starring in the Italian version of the show, called Ballando Con Le Stelle. A source close to the dancer has revealed that for the past six months or more, Giovanni has faced a number of difficult moments as he defended his names against the allegations made by actress Amanda, when they were partnered in the 2023 series of Strictly.

Speaking to MailOnline, a source close to the Italian dancer recently claimed: “It has been awful for Giovanni. He has had to read stories about himself that weren’t true for more than six months and then, the verdict of the inquiry showed that he hadn’t done all of the things that Amanda or her friends had been telling the media.”

Meanwhile, Giovanni recently announced a UK dancing tour next year, Together Again, alongside his “best friend” Anton Du Beke, who is one of the judges on the BBC show.