Giovanni Pernice 'QUITS' Strictly: Pro is 'adamant' he has done 'nothing wrong' ... trends now
Giovanni Pernice reportedly quit Strictly Come Dancing after the scrutiny became 'too much' when three of his ex dance partners slammed his 'militant' approach.
The professional dancer, 33, is said to want a 'fresh start' but is 'adamant he has done nothing wrong' after his last celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, 52, led the charge in accusing him of 'difficult behaviour' during training.
Amanda, who dramatically withdrew from last year's competition and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the show, is said to have met with Laura Whitmore, 39, and Ranvir Singh, 46, earlier this year for an 'emotional summit' to 'compare notes' about their time working with him.
While the BBC has stood by him and been keen to sign the professional dancer for its 20th anniversary series, Giovanni has decided to not return after eight years on the show.
'Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much and now is the time to make a fresh start,' a source told The Sun.
Giovanni Pernice reportedly quit Strictly Come Dancing after the scrutiny became 'too much' when three of his ex dance partners slammed his 'militant' approach
But the professional dancer, 33, is 'adamant he has done nothing wrong' after his last celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, 52, led the charge in accusing him of 'difficult behaviour'
'He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
'He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking - especially in this day and age.'
The insider added Giovanni has lots of 'exciting projects' in the pipeline which is now his priority.
A spokesman for the BBC has declined to comment on Giovanni's departure. They told MailOnline: 'The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course'.
MailOnline has contacted Giovanni's representatives for comment.
The turning point in Giovanni's television career comes amid his new relationship with Molly Brown. The couple first confirmed their romance at the end of February and have been sharing loved-up snaps on holiday this week.
Reports of Giovanni's departure will be a bitter blow to the BBC, who have stood by him amid the furore.
He was said to be assured by his bosses he would be part of the line-up for the new series.
The dancer has also been on TV with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke with their own show, Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily.
The turning point in Giovanni's television career comes amid his new relationship with Molly Brown. The couple first confirmed their romance at the end of February and are on holiday
Giovanni has quit Strictly Come Dancing, according to reports. Giovanni has faced a wave of scrutiny ever since his dance partner Amanda Abbington dramatically quit last year
Laura Whitmore and Giovanni pictured. Amanda is said to have met the presenter to discuss her experience with the dancer during the competition in 2022
Ranvir Singh and Giovanni pictured. The Good Morning Britain presenter complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show (pictured in 2020)
According to an insider, Giovanni feels like he has achieved everything he can on the show, having lifted the glitterball
