The BBC has spoken out following the reports that Giovanni Pernice has quit the long-running dance competition.
Pernice, 33, has had a rollercoaster few months since his partner Amanda Abbington quit the 2023 series of the show for "personal reasons".
What followed was widespread reports of a feud between himself and Abbington after the Sherlock star claimed to have been left with PTSD and sought legal action about her time on the show.
Pernice found his future on Strictly thrown further into question when it was reported Abbington had been supported by other former partners of his who held similar complaints.
However, Pernice has always defended his training methods behind the scenes and has been publicly supported by former partners Michelle Visage and Debbie McGee amid the uproar.
On Thursday, The Sun reported Pernice had decided to leave the show behind him and as a result, the Beeb has shared a rather cryptic response.
BBC Strictly: Amanda Abbington and Geovanni Pernice danced in the 2023 series
BBC
The official statement from BBC Strictly bosses following the reports reads, according to OK!: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."
Its decision to avoid confirming or denying Pernice's inclusion may come as no surprise to Strictly fans.
However, according to The Sun, the Beeb were reportedly "very keen" to keep Pernice as part of the line-up.
Explaining the decision for Pernice to quit, a source reportedly told the publication: "Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start.
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"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.
"He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he’s just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority."
Pernice has gone on to achieve success both on and off-screen away from his Strictly duties, recently boasting about sold-out shows on his tour and starring opposite Anton Du Beke in their own travel series.
His girlfriend Molly has also been by his side throughout the saga with Abbington, reportedly branding the claims against her beau as "bizarre".
Pernice has already sparked concern that he was ready to leave Strictly behind when he unveiled the cryptic name of his next solo dance tour.
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Giovanni Pernice has reportedly 'quit' Strictly Come Dancing
BBC
He won BBC Strictly in 2021 alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
GB News has contacted Pernice's representatives for comment.
