Giovanni Pernice WILL appear on Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special despite Amanda Abbington's pleas By KATIE HIND FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY Published: 17:00 EST, 16 November 2024 | Updated: 17:00 EST, 16 November 2024 e-mail View comments He was forced out of Strictly Come Dancing after his former dance partner Amanda Abbington made a series of bullying allegations against him. But fans will be thrilled to learn that they will see Giovanni Pernice back on the BBC One dance show next month – despite Ms Abbington’s attempts for him to be cancelled from it. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that, far from being erased from its rich history, Mr Pernice will be one of the Strictly stars celebrated in the forthcoming 20th anniversary programme.
It is unlikely that Ms Abbington, 52, will make an appearance, with one Strictly insider pointing out that she was only one of 250 or so celebrities who have taken part – and she quit before the end. Bosses were particularly insistent that Mr Pernice be given a starring role in the special episode, which is due to be aired on December 21, because he won a Bafta for its Must-See Moment – his and deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis ’s powerful silent dance to Clean Bandit’s Symphony in 2021. The moment was seen by more than ten million viewers and received 2.
1 million views on YouTube . His appearance could also pave the way for his return to the show as a professional dancer as early as next year, though it is understood Ms Abbing.