Strictly Come Dancing fans are in a rush to inform Giovanni Pernice how much they will miss him as he has announced ‘a little break’.
The professional dancer, 33, shared on Wednesday that he plans to take a well-deserved rest after his upcoming solo tour, following the success of his most recent one.
He stated on Instagram: ‘I have had a wonderful time this year on my solo tour and am already looking forward to an even better one next year!
‘After performing in front of over half a million people for seven years in a row, I plan to take a little break after next year’s tour, so book your tickets in advance for ‘GIOVANNI – THE LAST DANCE’ now at http://www.giovannipernice.com.’
Fans quickly shared their support in the comments, as Giovanni revealed the dates he has announced across the UK in the first few months next year.
Between January and May, he will be touring across the country, in locations including Aberdeen, Cambridge, Truro, Durham, and London, but hinted that more dates will be coming soon.
Follower @pollyjbird wrote: ‘No-one deserves a break more than you do. Just don’t stay away too long.’
‘You give so much, it’s time to take some well-deserved time out for you,’ @magicroundabout57 wrote.
@cllo_750923 said: ‘@giovannipernice you deserve the break, but please ensure you come back xx.’
‘You deserve a break but please come back, sure going to miss you,’ @lorrainewhyte44 echoed.
His update comes as fans are anxiously waiting to hear confirmation about the next series of Strictly, though it has been said Giovanni will be welcomed back ‘with open arms’ after a ‘really tough’ past few months.
The Italian dancer – who won a Bafta in 2022 for his silent dance with Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis – has faced months of allegations against his teaching style, after reports of a feud emerged with former partner Amanda Abbington.
It had been claimed that producers were ‘undecided’ about whether to pair Giovanni with a celebrity on the next season of Strictly, however, reports later said he is ‘thrilled’ to return, with an insider claiming he’s been ‘offered a contract’.
They added to the Mail: ‘While there are dots on i’s and crosses on t’s still to be written in, it all looks to be happening for him. As it’s the 20th anniversary, it’s a big year for the show and everyone involved wants Giovanni to be part of it.
‘It has been a really difficult few months for him. To have been hit with such claims – but not having anything he can respond to – has been really, really tough.’
The publication also notes that the BBC and Giovanni’s team say no official complaints have been made against him, despite reports that his former partners Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore had a bad experience with him on the BBC show and had an emotional meeting with Amanda about working with Giovanni.
‘The BBC support him completely,’ the source added. ‘There have been no complaints about Giovanni’s behavior, nobody has actually come forward and said, “He did this to me” or “He did that to me”.’
And despite reported regrets over pairing Giovanni with Sherlock actress Amanda, 52, who left the BBC One competition after five weeks., it’s said: ‘Now everyone at Strictly is ready to welcome him back with open arms.’
When previously approached by Metro.co.uk, a BBC spokesperson said: ‘The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course.’
