Former Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice has embarked on a new chapter in his showbiz journey – and Lauren Oakley will be by his side.

Giovanni Pernice will be hosting dance weekends in March and April (Image: Getty)

Strictly legend Lauren Oakley stuck by Giovanni Pernice during the scandal with Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, who had accused him of “abusive” and “cruel” behaviour in the rehearsal room.

She continued to support him every night on tour, sharing the stage and the dance routines with him and Anton du Beke on their Together UK tour last spring. Giovanni was later cleared out of 11 out of the 17 allegations against him.

Now Lauren is continuing to stand by her fellow pro, and has taken to Instagram to delight in their latest joint project: “Can’t wait!” The pair will be teaching dance classes together in an intimate countryside setting at two locations close to major UK cities.

The project is separate from Giovanni’s dance school, Ballando, and will see would-be dance aces sign up for weekends in five-star hotels, where they’ll be taught on-site by multiple Strictly favourites. On March 28, Giovanni and Lauren will appear alongside Anton du Beke, Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara, along with other dance stars, at the De Vere Beaumont Estate Hotel in Windsor, Berkshire.

The following month, between April 25 and 27, the pair will be joined by Anton, along with Katya Jones, Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova at the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel in Newport, Wales. The resort has won awards and is set within 2000 acres of picturesque parkland.

Giovanni Pernice on the dancefloor in Italy (Image: Getty)

Donahey’s dance school is promising each event will provide “three days of spectacular dance showcases” and that guests will be able to “learn to dance with the stars, see the costumes, plus hear all about their amazing journeys”.

They’ve billed them both as “intimate experiences like no other” – and it sounds like Lauren is equally excited.

When Giovanni took to Instagram with news of the partnership, she was quick to reply, exclaiming: “Can’t wait!”

“I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’ll be joining the amazing team at @donaheys for some fabulous Dancing with the Stars Weekends this year!” he wrote.

“And to make it even better – I’ll be partnered with the fabulous @laurenmayoakley,” he wrote, attaching a photo of the pair together.

“We can’t wait to hit the dance floor with all of you, whether you’re stepping into your first dance class or already a seasoned dancer – come join us for an unforgettable weekend of fun and some serious dancing!

“It’s always such an incredible experience… let’s bring the passion, the energy, and of course, the fun!”

Guests won’t be on their feet throughout, as there’ll be times during the weekend when they can sit back and let the professionals take the lead as they watch them perform on stage.

There’ll also be photo opportunities and chances to interact with the cast.