Strictly star continues to support Giovanni Pernice after exit amid BBC scandal

As Giovanni Pernice shared a series of topless photos of himself sipping champagne on a boat in Italy, he received more public support from Strictly stars.

Although it's already known that the likes of Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke and Motsi Mabuse are standing by him, and are planning special classes courtesy of his Ballando dance school, another star connected to the show has also spoken out in support of him. Gemma Atkinson, who met her partner and father of her two children Gorka Marquez through the show, wrote: "Enjoy!" alongside a smiling face emoji as she wished him a fun trip to Italy.

Giovanni shares his September 5 birthday with the late Freddie Mercury and he already seems to be getting into the festive spirit to celebrate. Not only did Gemma show her support for the former Strictly star amid the current BBC probe, but almost 40,000 fans hit the like button on his latest update on Instagram.

Fans made their feelings known, with some vowing Strictly will no longer air in their houses, following the Sicilian pro's decision to quit the show amid a probe into his conduct towards Amanda Abbington. One protested: "Strictly just won't be the same this year without your smile."

"Strictly needs you more than you need Strictly, it’s their loss. Strictly will not be on the television in my house again, not without you on the show. So please keep posting and enjoy your adventures xx," a second told him. "To me watching you and Rose was the ultimate highlight of Strictly," lamented another, adding: "I for one will not watch any further episodes of this show."

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A fourth fan chimed in: "I won't be watching Strictly this year, never missed an episode before. It has lost its sparkle for me. Good luck in all you do Gio."

Express.co.uk earlier reported that Giovanni could be on the verge of quitting Britain after reportedly holding talks with the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle, to become a judge on the show.

However, fans in Britain were devastated when he appeared to announce across social media that his 2025 solo tour The Last Dance would be the "final" one he ever does.

It's possible that, like Gemma's partner Gorka, who was given a judging role on the Spanish version of Strictly, Giovanni could fly between the two countries and still remain a resident in Britain.

Giovanni is known to be very close to his family in Italy and was smiling broadly in images shared from a private plane where he tucked into champagne and caviar.

The results of the Strictly investigation are thought to be coming soon.

Meanwhile, fans have also been discussing how same-sex partnerships on the show have been dropped for the first time in five years in a huge Strictly shake-up.