Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice opened up about his disdain for the word “famous” during a candid interview on James Phelan’s How To Be Famous podcast.

While reflecting on his rise to stardom, the pro dancer shared some advice with people who might be letting success go to their heads.

He told listeners: “I don’t like the word famous. I hate the word famous. Always keep your feet on the ground.

“No matter how popular and famous you become, you will remain famous if you keep your feet on the ground because I’ve seen so many times people getting slightly popular or slightly recognisable in the streets, and they just take things to be, big stars.

“But realistically, the reason why we are famous, the reason why we are popular, is because of other people.”

Giovanni Pernice has shared his thoughts on fame in a podcast (Image: Getty)

James Phelan posted this clip from the interview on Instagram, writing: “In his most honest and heartfelt interview ever, Giovanni Pernice lays bare his journey to stardom.

“For the first time, Giovanni leaves no stone unturned and candidly speaks about his recent struggles, heartache, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward.

“This is a story of passion, perseverance, and finding strength in your determination to succeed.”

Giovanni’s appearance on the podcast comes in the wake of his departure from Strictly Come Dancing.

The dancer said he hates the word famous (Image: Instagram)

Earlier this year, the BBC investigated allegations of “bullying behaviour” against him.

Although he has now been cleared of the most significant claims, including those made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington, a BBC source has confirmed that there is no place for Giovanni on the show.

The source said: “While it’s recognised Giovanni remains popular with a lot of Strictly viewers, there is a robust acceptance that he can’t return to the show, ever.

“That’s not a formal punishment, that’s a decision taken at a corporate level, concerned with protecting the reputation of what is a huge Saturday night family show.”

Despite the controversy, fans continue to rally behind the Italian dancer, with many urging the BBC to reconsider its stance.

Comments on his social media posts frequently express longing for his return to the Strictly ballroom.

For the moment, Giovanni has shifted his focus to his live tour, The Last Dance.

In a recent Instagram video, he shared a glimpse of dancers rehearsing for the show, saying: “I’m here in London today for a special reason because something very important is happening in this room… We are doing an audition for my show, The Last Dance.

Giovanni recently won a huge Italian dance competition (Image: Getty)

“Now I know most of you have already booked tickets. So I can’t wait to see all of you there, but until then, I want to show you a sneak peek. See you in January.”

When asked recently about a possible Strictly return during an ITV interview with Christine Lampard, Giovanni remained noncommittal, saying, “Never say never.”

However, he pointed out that his focus is on his upcoming tour, which is running from January to July.