Giovanni Pernice begins exciting new project after BBC confirms Strictly departure
Giovanni Pernice's departure from Strictly Come Dancing was officially confirmed at the weekend - but he's already embarking on a new project.
Giovanni Pernice seemed to be in high spirits this morning as he kicked off rehearsals for his joint dance tour with Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke. Despite news of a BBC probe into his conduct with celebrity dancers such as Amanda Abbington, Giovanni says his exacting standards in training sessions "come from a place of love" - and Anton is standing by him.
The pair have already started preparing for their Together tour, which kicks off this Friday evening with a sold-out show at the Beck Theatre in Hayes. StrictlyTheatreCo's Instagram account confirmed today: "Tech starts today for this one", alongside an image of the promo poster for their tour.
Anton was equally excited on Instagram recently, declaring: "The countdown begins! ! ! TOGETHER TOUR 2024." Giovanni is now back to the grindstone after some time out with his model girlfriend Molly Brown, which the pair made the most of with luxury trips to Dubai, Madeira and the Cotswolds.
He and Molly were pictured at the most exclusive hotel in the region, Soho Farmhouse, which a string of high profile guests have visited. It's where Meghan Markle famously held her hen do, while Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm is just a short distance away - and the Clooneys are said to be members of the pricey club there too.
However, Giovanni is now focusing on the 30-date tour, which will end on July 21 in Salford, with a British Sign Language matinee - thought to be a tribute to his fellow Strictly champ Rose Ayling Ellis.
READ MORE: Strictly fans threaten to 'boycott' BBC series after Giovanni Pernice is axed [INSIGHT]
The pair lifted the Glitterball trophy together back in 2021, with ex-EastEnders actress Rose making headlines as the first deaf contestant to appear on the show.
When the BBC announced the list for this year's contest, however, Giovanni's name was not on it, sparking some loyal fans to urge others to start a boycott.
The news of his departure follows claims from some that he was too "harsh" as a trainer, with Amanda Abbington stating that he stood on her foot during one session.
Giovanni has declared it an "occupational hazard" and strenuously denied all accusations of wrongdoing.
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On The Mirror's Invite Only podcast, he addressed the issue, insisting: "I am a perfectionist, 100 per cent, 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."
A law firm has been engaged on behalf of multiple celebrities who feel Giovanni's behaviour is a cause for concern.
However, on his Instagram account, where he has 1.1 million followers, he reiterated that he was merely "passionate" and "competitive", stating: "I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."
