GIOVANNI Pernice’s bombshell decision to quit Strictly has left fans reeling – but there were signs he was gearing up for a career change.
The professional dancer, 33, has overshadowed the show in recent months after allegations he was an unnecessarily hard taskmaster in the rehearsal room.
His latest celebrity partner on Strictly, Amanda Abbington, was left with mild PTSD and quit the show mid series due to Giovanni’s meticulous methods.
She then lodged an official complaint with the BBC and met with Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh – both former dance partners with Giovanni – to discuss their experiences with him.
All the while, Giovanni has said little more than Amanda had lots left to give in the competition.
He busied himself with his own national dance tour featuring fellow Strictly star Lauren Oakley and it was as this run neared its end that Giovanni hinted of a move away from the dance floor.
Having sold out venues and delighted audiences around the country, Giovanni began promoting his 2025 tour, The Last Dance, which will be his final run of solo shows.
The timing is notable given Giovanni’s foray into the business world with the release of his perfume range Vita.
Gio launched the fragrances for me and women last year and called it a “dream come true”.
Its success and continued promotion is no doubt taking up a substantial amount of time.
The veteran dancer has long been considered a Strictly lothario due to a string of high profile romances with the likes of Geogia May Foote, Maura Higgins and fellow dancer Jowita Przystal.
But he seems particularly loved up with new girlfriend Molly Brown, with the pair sharing smitten posts and pictures on social media.
The Strictly curse is infamous, but if Molly is the one could it be a prudent move to leave the show behind?
And with Giovanni’s name on the tips of everyone’s tongues, it would be a good moment to capitalise and take on new TV projects.
He recently starred in a Strictly spin-off with co-star Anton du Beke that saw the good friends tour Spain.
The easy-to-watch travel programme proved popular on the Beeb and Gio is already looking ahead to a new series.
He recently said: “Question time … very simple answer YES OR NOT !
Would you like to see me and my bestie going somewhere else?”
Perhaps most notably of all, Giovanni remained non-committal on his future when asked during the latest series.
He told the Radio Times: “I’m not sure what’s happening in the future, you know? I can tell you what’s happening in the present.”
He went on to say: “I’m here, focused with Amanda and trying to do another great routine. And the future – who knows? Strictly is a show that changed my life.
“I will be there for as long as they want me.”
