Is Giovanni Pernice quitting Strictly Come Dancing?

Everyone wants to know is Giovanni Pernice quitting Strictly Come Dancing? It's been nine years since he first burst onto our screens as one of the professionals on the BBC dance show in 2015.

Strictly is notoriously difficult. Pernice has said himself that he is a "perfectionist" as his teaching approach was put under the spotlight when Amanda Abbington quit early reportedly due to his "militant" training style.

Celebrities who have danced with Pernice have shared their experiences of his teaching style in the past, both good and bad. Speaking in the wake of the Abbington feud, Michelle Visage admitted she fought with him every day, although she welcomed his tough approach, and Debbie McGee defended Pernice saying they had "the best of times on Strictly".

It is no secret that Pernice has an impressive track record on Strictly Come Dancing, having reached the final four times and of course Pernice won the show with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021.

The Sun first reported the rumours that Pernice is quitting the BBC show saying he plans to focus on other TV work because there are a "lot of exciting projects in the pipeline". The BBC have responded but the choreographer has yet to speak publicly about the rumours.

Yahoo has reached out to Giovanni Pernice's management for further comment.

Where is Giovanni Pernice now?

But there is a good reason Pernice hasn't spoken out about the rumours as he is on holiday with his stunning girlfriend Molly Brown.

They have gone from strength to strength since Pernice and Brown went Instagram official with their relationship in February this year. Now they have taken their love on holiday where they are enjoying dining out and catching the rays in the sunshine.

Strictly is clearly far from Pernice's mind as his girlfriend Brown shared a slew of romantic snaps of the couple enjoying their break away together. Pernice has yet to share a post from their sun-drenched holiday himself.

What the BBC said

Always ahead of the series, everyone wants to know who are the pro dancers for Strictly 2024?

The BBC has responded to the quitting rumours about Pernice leaving by saying that the professional dancers will be announced in the weeks to come. The broadcaster shared no further details about the reports.

A BBC spokesperson said in a statement: "The Professional Dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course."

Throughout the drama that has unfolded in the headlines and behind the scenes, the BBC has stood by the dancer and it was reported they were in talks for the next season.

Head judge Shirley Ballas showed her support for Pernice. She said on Lorraine: "I've known Giovanni for many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher. My only ever experience with him is he is an absolute gentlemen. He gives 100%. Strictly and shows like that they are tough shows so you know when you sign up for that kind of thing. It's quite difficult to do the show."

What happened with Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington

Reports first begun to emerge that Pernice and Abbington were clashing behind the scenes when she dramatically quit Strictly. The star had missed out on the week before finally quitting before the following Saturday's live show.

Since the show has ended, the rumours of a feud have continued to hit headlines. In January, it was alleged Abbington had demanded Strictly rehearsals footage.

More recently, Abbington met with his other former partners Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh to discuss their Strictly experiences.

Giovanni Pernice is a perfectionist

Pernice had no qualms admitting himself that he is "a perfectionist, 100%" when he has been asked about this in interviews following the feud rumours.

The star believed Abbington could have made it to the final of Strictly and has said it was a "shame" that she didn't want to continue with the BBC show.

He said on Invite Only podcast: "It's a shame because, in my opinion, she could have gone all the way. I am a perfectionist, 100%, but it comes from a perspective of caring. I think all of the professional dancers are in the same place. In every single part of the world, if you're a professional dancer on one of these shows, you have to get these people looking the best they can on Saturday night.

"And if we have good scores at the end, I do look back and say, 'I've done a great job. But we all care about our partners and we want that for them every single week to look great on a Saturday. There's no specific way that you are, or have to be with your celebrity. You make the most of their strengths so the only thing that's constant is the fact that you have to do a show on Saturday night."

Giovanni Pernice's other projects, including TV show

Moving away from Strictly Come Dancing, Pernice filmed a travel TV show with his co-star Anton Du Beke. Adventures In Spain was a light-hearted show which captured the duo travelling featuring festivals, flamenco and friends.

In the finale, Du Beke and Pernice hinted there could be a second season of the BBC travelling show. Du Beke said: "What a lovely, lovely way to spend a summer. Where to next?"

Pernice replied: "Well, it doesn't matter where we're going, as long as we're together."

As well as his TV work, Pernice has launched his own perfume range. When he's not on holiday, the dancer has been touring his new solo show Let Me Entertain You.

Later this year, he will team up with Du Beke once again for live show Anton & Giovanni - Together which will head around the UK.

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