BBC Strictly Come Dancing addresses Giovanni Pernice's 'sudden' exit

BBC Strictly Come Dancing recently broke silence after Giovanni Pernice quit the long-running dance competition.

The 33-year-old Italian dancer, who went through a roller-coaster of emotions after his partner Amanda Abbington quit the 2023 series for “personal reasons.”

The two apparently went through a rough phase after the Sherlock star sought legal action about her time on the show.

He was further dragged into misery after he learned that Abbington had been supported by other former partners, who reported same complaints.

According to The Sun, Pernice decided to quit, leaving the show-runners starstruck.

BBC Strictly bosses released an official statement that read: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."

Although, the outlet suggested that the Beeb were reportedly “very keen” to move forward with Pernice, they were adamant to avoid confirming the Italian dancer’s inclusion.

A local source exclusively told the publication: "Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start.”

“He wants to focus on other TV projects and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.”

"He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age,” it added.

For the unversed, Giovanni won BBC Strictly back in 2021 alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.