Giovanni Pernice wows during Italian Strictly debut ahead of BBC probe reveal

Dancer Giovanni Pernice showed the BBC what they were missing following his outstanding performance on the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer, 34, who is partnered with actress Bianca Guaccero, left the BBC show amid bullying allegations made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington. The BBC are expected to reveal its finding of the investigation next week, according to reports, but despite the conclusion hanging over his head, Giovanni set the dancefloor on fire.

Judges of Ballando con le Stelle scored him a whopping 37 out of 40 points. The investigation has been ongoing for four months after Amanda claimed Giovanni bullied her during their training sessions. She questioned his teaching methods and described his behaviour as "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. He has strongly denies all of the claims.

In one interview, Amanda compared the BBC show to "the trenches" as she told Channel 4 News the broadcaster's producers had been left "horrified" by clips that proved her allegations of "humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature." A source reportedly told The Sun that the BBC will notify all parties of the investigation early next week but only a few details will be out in the public domain.

READ MORE: Abbott Lyon launches 'extra special' advent calendar packed with jewellery bestsellers

The BBC are hoping this will "draw a line under the matter." But the source added: "It's very unlikely it will do that." The also said they:" Could be dealing with this for months and months." They went on to say: "Whatever the outcome, neither Giovanni nor Amanda are likely to be happy so the BBC are bracing themselves for potential appeals. Amanda and Giovanni have very well-paid lawyers who will study every cough and spit of the report before advising them on what to do next."

The Italian version of the show's hot Milly Carlucci claimed that the inclusion of Giovanni in Ballando con le Stelle "should tell us something" about the allegations. According to The Telegraph, she revealed at a press conference: "We were in very close contact with the BBC to understand the extent of these accusations. It should tell you something that nine months later they still haven't given an answer."

She added: "If there had been proof, as it were, the perpetrator of the Agatha Christie-style crime would have come out by now. It hasn't come out. We have been monitoring the matter with the BBC and they have given us a complete green light in having Giovanni with us and that should also tell us something because the BBC seems to me to be a very serious company."

Speaking about joining the show, Giovanni said: "Hello everyone, just a quick update with life from Rome. This week is the first week of the live show which is very exciting and Bianca is doing really really well. I did read a lot of your message at the weekend and I am very grateful for all of you."

READ MORE: I save hundreds of pounds a year using at-home gel nail kit - it's now £51 off at Boots

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads