Giovanni Pernice declares ‘we are back’ as Strictly co-star wraps arms around him for hug-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

Giovanni Pernice has declared ‘we are back’ following claims he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing while facing allegations about his training room techniques.

In a new video, fellow Strictly star Anton Du Beke wrapped his arms around the Italian dancer, hugging him with glee as they spoke about their upcoming tour with excitement.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the BBC programme was launching an investigation into Giovanni’s behaviour following accusations from three celebrities who he was previously partnered up with on the competition.

It was claimed that his former partners Ranvir Singh, Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington – the last of whom withdrew from Strictly prematurely in 2023 – met up to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him.

In a recent statement shared on social media, Giovanni, 33, said that he rejected ‘any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour’, adding that he was looking forward to ‘clearing his name’ of any wrongdoing.

The performer is now looking forward to a new venture he’s embarking on with Strictly judge Anton, 57, as the pair of them prepare to head on a tour.

Giovanni has been on Strictly since 2015 (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

The dancers shared a hug as they updated fans on their upcoming tour (Picture: Instagram/@strictlytheatreco)

Production company Strictly Theatre Co shared a video of the duo on Instagram in a dance studio, as they enthusiastically spoke about their first day of rehearsals for the tour, which is titled Together.

‘First day of rehearsals,’ Anton said, as Giovanni repeated his co-star’s statement.

The judge continued: ‘Always my favourite day. Second day, less so.’

Chuckling, Giovanni responded jovially: ‘Because we have to remember everything we’ve done on day one, just like this.’

As Anton jokingly groaned about the prospect of having to remember all of their choreography, Giovanni declared: ‘We are back on tour. We are back. It feels nice,’ before giving his friend and colleague a hug.

Anton and Giovanni has previously appeared on travel TV series together (Picture: BBC/BBC Studios)

As Anton hugged him back, Giovanni said to the camera that they ‘can’t wait’ to see all of the fans who come to the show.

The judge then outlined that the tour will be starting from June 14, and they will be ‘on the road’ until the end of July.

He praised the ‘great show’ with its ‘amazing cast’, saying that the dancers and singers who are joining them on the tour are ‘remarkable’.

After Giovanni reminded everyone that the show is called Together, Anton made a gesture between them, before drawing his Strictly co-star in closer.

They then said in unison: ‘And whatever we do, we do it together.’

Giovanni was partnered with actress Amanda Abbington for the 2023 series of Strictly (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

Several fans who commented on the video on Instagram expressed how delighted they were to see Anton and Giovanni reunited, with the pair also having worked together on their BBC travel TV series Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily and Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain.

‘Lovely to see you both together. Have fun guys,’ a fan called Helen wrote, while Lisa added: ‘Amazing! Look forward to the show.’

Claire also shared: ‘Big hugs to you both, you are adorable together. Lots of love.’

In the statement that Giovanni posted on social media earlier this month in light of the allegations made against him, he wrote: ‘To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

The performer released a statement earlier this month (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.’

He continued: ‘I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.

‘Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.’

Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

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