Giovanni Pernice is ready to dance in the spotlight once more. After a year marked by controversy, silence, and reflection, the former Strictly Come Dancing favourite is reuniting with his fellow professionals for a special two-day event, Dancing with the Stars — a moment many are viewing as his most meaningful return yet.
The Italian dancer, who stepped away from Strictly last year following bullying allegations made by former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, will once again share the stage with faces long familiar to Strictly fans. The star-studded lineup includes Anton Du Beke, Aljaž Škorjanec, Janette Manrara, Gorka Márquez, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, and Karen Hauer, turning the event into a reunion rich with history and emotion.
Set to take place next July in Newport and Old Windsor, the performances promise something different from the usual arena spectacle. Rather than vast crowds and distant stages, audiences will enjoy an intimate, close-up experience — watching the pros perform just feet away and even stepping onto the dance floor themselves during interactive workshops and sessions.
For Pernice, the reunion carries weight far beyond choreography. Strictly was the show that made him a household name, from his early fan-favourite years to his unforgettable 2021 glitterball win with Rose Ayling-Ellis, a partnership that changed the show’s history and hearts alike. Walking away from that world was never part of the plan — yet it became unavoidable.
The year away has been described by those close to him as difficult but transformative. Away from the BBC spotlight, Giovanni refocused on his craft, performing internationally and rediscovering his love for dance outside the glare of controversy. Now, with the music calling him back, his return feels deliberate rather than rushed.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Giovanni struck a warm and hopeful note, saying it was simply “great to be back.” The words may be modest, but the meaning behind them is clear: this is a dancer reclaiming the space where he feels most alive.
Fans, too, are responding with anticipation. For many, seeing Giovanni alongside his former co-stars feels like a reminder of what made Strictly special — camaraderie, passion, and shared history — even as debates about the past continue in the background.
While questions about Giovanni’s long-term future remain unanswered, Dancing with the Stars represents an undeniable step forward. It is not a full return to Strictly, nor an attempt to rewrite the past, but a confident move toward the future.
As the lights rise and the music begins, Giovanni Pernice returns not as a headline, but as a dancer — doing what he has always done best, surrounded by those who know him, and reminding audiences why they fell in love with his talent in the first place. 💃✨
