In a twist few saw coming, Giovanni Pernice is back in the Strictly spotlight — and this time, he’s not dancing alone.
More than a year after his abrupt and controversial exit from Strictly Come Dancing, the Italian ballroom star is preparing for a headline-grabbing reunion with several of his former co-stars at a glamorous dance event in 2026. The announcement has sent ripples through the dance world, reopening wounds for some and fuelling speculation of a possible comeback for others.
A Reunion Hidden in Plain Sight
The surprise appearance is part of the popular “Dancing With The Stars Weekends”, organised by Donaheys — luxury dance retreats long adored by Strictly superfans. While the events were quietly confirmed late last year, Pernice’s involvement was reportedly kept low-key until promotional materials surfaced in recent weeks.
According to insiders, the decision to keep his name “under wraps until the last minute” was deliberate.
Now revealed, the lineup has raised eyebrows. Pernice, 35, will share the floor with an all-star cast including Anton Du Beke, Aljaž Škorjanec, Janette Manrara, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, and Karen Hauer. The weekends, set at five-star venues such as the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport and De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor, promise three days of dazzling performances, dance masterclasses, and behind-the-scenes Strictly stories.
Approved — But Not Without Tension
Although the events are not officially BBC productions, the participation of current Strictly professionals has been approved by show bosses — a move many see as quietly symbolic.
Backstage whispers suggest this is no simple feel-good reunion. Rehearsals and planning meetings have reportedly been tinged with unease, with some insiders describing Pernice’s inclusion as a bold statement that the controversy surrounding his departure is far from forgotten.
One source put it bluntly:
“This isn’t just nostalgia. Gio being there sends a message — and not everyone is comfortable with it.”
The Scandal That Changed Everything
Pernice’s Strictly career came to a sudden halt in June 2024 following a BBC investigation into complaints made by actress Amanda Abbington, his celebrity partner during the 2023 series.
Abbington accused the dancer of creating a “toxic environment” in rehearsals, alleging verbal bullying and harassment. She left the show early, citing medical reasons, later revealing she had developed PTSD and had received death threats from online trolls.
After a six-month investigation, the BBC upheld six of the 17 complaints, all relating to verbal conduct. Allegations of physical aggression or threatening behaviour were not substantiated, and the BBC issued a formal apology to Abbington.
Pernice has consistently denied being abusive, describing himself instead as a “strict, competitive teacher” driven by passion for perfection.
From Fallout to Reinvention
The aftermath was brutal.
In candid interviews, Pernice admitted his “world collapsed,” saying people avoided him as headlines dominated the press. He temporarily relocated to Italy, where he staged a remarkable comeback — winning Ballando con le Stelle in 2024 with Bianca Guaccero, who later became his girlfriend, and finishing runner-up in 2025.
Back in the UK, he rebuilt his reputation through sold-out tours such as “The Last Dance” and “Together Again”, the latter alongside close friend Anton Du Beke. Still, this upcoming event marks his closest reconnection yet with the Strictly family.
Two Lives, Two Paths Forward
Abbington, meanwhile, has described the period as one of the hardest of her life. Speaking in 2025, she revealed the ordeal delayed her wedding to stuntman fiancé Jonathan Goodwin, now rescheduled for 2026, amid ongoing emotional recovery and legal matters. She has maintained her actions were never personal but necessary to highlight workplace culture issues.
Sources close to her say she has declined to comment on Pernice’s return to the dance scene, choosing instead to focus on her acting career and healing.
Fans Divided, Sequins Shaking
Unsurprisingly, fans are buzzing.
Social media has erupted with theories: Is this a quiet test run for Pernice’s eventual return to Strictly? A defiant gesture to critics? Or simply a dancer reclaiming his place?
One insider summed it up neatly:
“Gio dancing alongside current pros shows he still has support — but with Amanda’s story still fresh, it’s going to be awkward behind the scenes.”
Early-bird tickets for the spring 2026 weekends sold out rapidly, proving that Pernice’s popularity remains strong, controversy notwithstanding.
Closure — Or the Next Chapter?
Critics argue the reunion risks glossing over unresolved issues in a post-#MeToo television landscape, despite the reforms Strictly introduced in the wake of the scandal, including chaperones and enhanced welfare measures.
Supporters counter that the investigation is complete — and that Pernice deserves to move forward.
As the dance world watches closely, one thing is clear: Giovanni Pernice’s return is about far more than ballroom steps. It’s a reminder that in the glittering, high-pressure world of Strictly, no exit is ever truly final — and every comeback comes with its own rhythm.
Fans, brace yourselves. The sequins are shaking once again. 💃✨
