Giovanni Pernice says he is “upset” as he fears Strictly Come Dancing bosses are unlikely to bring him back onto the show after he stepped away from his role last year.

The dancer says he “would love” to return to the hit BBC series. The Italian originally stepped back from Strictly after his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington made a complaint about his conduct.

Following an investigation, the BBC upheld some of the allegations. Now over seven months since his departure was made official, it still remains to be seen whether a potential return to the show will ever be on the cards.

Admitting that he is “upset”, in an interview with the Mail on Sunday, the former Strictly dancer reflected on his time on the show: “It’s been a great, great, great ten years. I achieved everything. But it’s not my choice, it’s not my decision. Everybody has moved on.”

Giovanni left Strictly after appearing in eight series of the show -Credit:Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
But, he has not completely ruled out a return further down the line, as he added: “Maybe I might come back in a few years like Aljaz. I think this is the path we take. And don’t forget, I’m the reigning Italian champion.”

Aljaž Škorjanec returned to Strictly this year after a three-year absence. He was paired-up with former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri, coming runners-up to Chris McCausland.

Giovanni made his debut on the BBC dance show in it’s thirteenth series back in 2015 where he finished runner-up with former Coronation Street star Georgia May-Foote. But having completed eight series of the show, his most memorable moment came in the 19th series when he picked up top spot dancing alongside Rose-Ayling Ellis.

And, since his exit from the UK version of the show, in September 2024 it was confirmed that he would be competing in the Italian edition of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle. Dancing alongside Italian actress Bianca Guaccero, Pernice was named winner of the show in his debut year.