GIOVANNI Pernice was seen looking downcast as he joined friends for dinner in Italy. The Sicilian dancer, who quit the series in May shortly before an official investigation was launched into his behaviour towards Amanda Abbington, has jetted out of the UK for some downtime. 11 Giovanni spent the evening in Portofino with friends Credit: BackGrid 11 The star seemed locked in an intense conversation as he smoked with pals Credit: BackGrid 11 At dinner with friends, Gio didn't seem to be in as high sprits as his friends were Credit: BackGrid 11 The star later perked up, stifling a laugh under a napkin Credit: BackGrid As the investigation into allegations on rehearsal room bullying continues, Giovanni has flown to Portofino to be with friends.
On Sunday night, he was spotted at the Marinaio tavern with his friends, sitting at a terrace table as they joked and drank wine. Giovanni looked dapper in a grey linen suit, but didn't seem to crack a smile as his friends laughed around him. At one point, he seemed locked in an intense conversation with one friend while they smoked away from the table.
READ MORE GIOVANNI PERNICE final chance Amanda Abbington has 'one last throw of the dice' in Strictly bullying probe PROBE DELAY BBC delay releasing findings of Gio probe after new evidence comes to light However, he did eventually perk up, with the star stifling a laugh from behind a napkin as they ate and caught up. He later spotted the cameras and gave a wave before heading off. Giovann.