Oakley made it to the final of Strictly 2024 with JLS star celeb partner JB Gill

BBC Strictly star Lauren Oakley, 33, has shared her opinions on Giovanni Pernice, 34, after he was axed from the show last year following a bullying row.

Her comments come as Pernice revealed her as his dance partner for several exclusive shows put on by Donahey’s dance school later this year.

Last year, Pernice was accused by his Strictly 2023 celeb partner Amanda Abbington, 50, of “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” behaviour during their rehearsals

Now, the Italian 35-year-old is preparing to take the stage in the UK once again as part of the dance school Donahey’s intimate and exclusive shows later this year.

In an Instagram post announcing the events he wrote: “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!”

Oakley danced with JB Gill to the final of Strictly 2024BBC

“And to make it even better – I’ll be partnered with the fabulous @laurenmayoakley,” Pernice added alongside a picture of himself and the 33-year-old Strictly dancer.

While not originally paired with a celeb partner for the 2024 series of Strictly, Oakley stood in to replace Amy Dowden as JLS star JB Gill’s pro dancer after the Welsh fan-favourite was forced to back out due to health concerns.

Oakley and Gill ended up dancing their way to the show final after several showstopper performances but ultimately fell short of the seemingly unstoppable champion Chris McCausland.

“Can’t wait,” Oakley wrote in response to Pernice, accompanied by two love heart emojis.

Pernice announced that Oakley will he his dance partner for exclusive shows later this year Instagram

Pernice continued in his post: “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.

“It’s always such an incredible experience – we get to dance, teach, and perform for you! Let’s bring the passion, the energy, and of course, the fun,” he concluded.

The pair will appear alongside other Strictly pros at the exclusive dance events, which cost as much as £699 per person to attend.

The shows will also feature Strictly judge and former pro Anton Du Beke with current dancers Aljaz Skorjanec, Janette Manrara, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones and Nadiya Bychkova.

“I can’t wait to reconnect with Mother Nature, which is my UK fan base, because they’ve been supportive all the way through and I’ve missed them,” Pernice said about his upcoming solo dance show.

The 34-year-old also announced that his 2025 tour will be his last amid his desire to explore other aspects of showbiz. that his 2025 tour will be his last amid his desire to explore other aspects of showbiz.

“I need a break, darling. I’m 35 years old. I’ve been doing this for 10 years,” he admitted to The Mirror, looking ahead to 2025.

The Italian glowed acting is “something I’ve always wanted to do” but conceded he would need to attend English classes to learn the language “properly”.

Pernice also hinted at the idea of taking up signing but said he may also need to take some lessons to improve there too.

Despite his troubles with the BBC, Pernice stormed his way to victory over the Italian adaption of Strictly Come Dancing – lifting the trophy with celeb partner Bianca Guaccero.