GIO JOY Giovanni Pernice’s TV comeback CONFIRMED after BBC probe cleared Strictly dancer of serious allegations
FORMER Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice will appear on UK TV again after a BBC probe into his behaviour, with the dancer saying: “I’m back baby.”
He will be on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted, a series filmed in 2022 but shelved after Sherlock star Amanda Abbington — his partner on the dance show — accused him of bullying.
Makers had considered cutting Gio’s scenes, but have now scheduled the series for January.
The BBC cleared the 34-year-old Sicilian of ten out of 16 allegations when its probe concluded last month.
Six claims were upheld, including bullying and harassment.
Bosses apologised to Amanda.
A TV source said: “It was absolutely right to shelve Hunted while the BBC took the time to unravel the claims against Giovanni.
“It was filmed in 2022 and due to screen last year, but will now air in early 2025.”
The BBC report cleared Giovanni of violence and physical abuse.
It also said he did not make threats and was not intimidating.
But it did find moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace” plus the use of swear words and “belittling, dismissive and insulting” language.
Giovanni will be seen on Celebrity Hunted alongside his 2022 dance partner, Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, who kept his silence during the probe and unfollowed him online amid feud rumours.
The dance star last week announced a theatre tour alongside Strictly judge Anton Du Beke next summer.
Yesterday, Gio promoted his own headline tour The Last Dance, which runs from January into May.
He wrote online: “I’m back baby!”
He is already appearing on the Italian version of Strictly, where on Saturday he made show history with five tens.
A source said: “Gio is pleased he was cleared of the serious allegations and is optimistic about the future.”