GIOVANNI Pernice beamed alongside Anton Du Beke as he returned to the stage after quitting Strictly.
In May, The Sun revealed the Italian dancer had quit the hit BBC show and was being probed by the BBC over his conduct during training with celebrity partners.
Giovanni, 33, has denied any wrongdoing and instructed top legal firm Schillings to fight his corner, but while the investigation continues, he has returned to what he loves most – dancing.
He was joined by Strictly judge Anton, 57 – who he also has a travel series with – for their live tour and took to the stage.
The pair wore matching suits which were half black and half white, and Gio told the audience: “It’s nice to be back.”
While he never mentioned Strictly once during the show, he did say: “This is the most beautiful thing you know I am alright. I am alright.”
Giovanni and Anton were also joined by Strictly pro Lauren Oakley, who told the delighted audience that Gio was “cheeky” and made her “laugh lots”.
A fan told MailOnline after the show: “Giovanni looked so happy, he didn’t stop smiling but you couldn’t help but think he was a little bit subdued.
“Usually he would reference Strictly, he loved the show so I suppose that would be normal but this time it was like it didn’t exist.”
Last month, it was announced that official complaints had been made against Giovanni by three of his nine former celebrity partners.
Among them was Amanda Abbington, who was paired with him for the 2023 series but dropped out on medical grounds in October.
She has since claimed she had mild PTSD from her time on the show.
However, Giovanni’s 2017 celebrity partner – Debbie McGee – came forward with a statement following his axe from the show.
In an Instagram post of the pair, she wrote: “I am heartbroken for @giovannipernice My experience on Strictly will always be happy and life changing.
“Gio nurtured me through my grief and gave me confidence I could do things I thought was beyond me.”
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
