Giovanni Pernice has left a number of his fans and BBC Strictly viewers rather concerned about his future on the Saturday night staple.
The dancer has found himself in several headlines this year following claims made by former partner Amanda Abbington and now, he's done little to dampen the rumours that he could be set to leave the show soon.
Question marks over Pernice's future arose recently when Abbington - who quit last year's series for "personal reasons" - claimed to have been diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) after working with Pernice.
Abbington reportedly demanded footage from their rehearsals as she pursued legal advice and before long, a handful of Pernice's other former partners had come forward with similar complaints.
However, Pernice has since been defended by the likes of other former partners Michelle Visage and Debbie McGee, and the BBC is believed to have yet received any formal complaints about the dancer and is reportedly "backing" the star.
Now, ahead of the announcement of this year's pro line-up, Pernice has shared news about his own work projects away from the BBC show - and there's one clue that has caught the eye of concerned fans.
Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington's Strictly journey ended on a sour note
GETTY
In 2025, Pernice will take to the stage to perform his solo tour titled Giovanni: The Last Dance.
While he's expected to be unveiled as a professional for the 2024 series of Strictly, this has sparked speculation he could be hanging up his dancing shoes for good.
With the 2025 tour kicking off in January and running until May, it also means he'll almost certainly not be taking part in the Strictly Live Tour after this year's series.
A source spoke out about the concerns, telling the Mirror: "It is no secret that the last few months have been difficult for Giovanni. The name of his 2025 show will certainly get the rumour mill spinning."
Giovanni Pernice has faced questions about his Strictly future
BBC
However, the publication also says that a source close to Pernice pointed out that the tour was named prior to Abbington quitting the show.
After the reports hit the news, a handful of fans took to social media to share their thoughts, with one reacting to an article: "We don't want to see him leave the strictly because of amanda."
And a second added: "Looks like Giovanni's dance moves might have stepped on a few toes! Who knew the cha-cha could cause such drama?" (sic)
Meanwhile, the BBC has remained unwavering with its response to the Pernice saga, saying in a statement: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."
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Pernice has been a fan-favourite on Strictly ever since he joined the line-up in 2015.
He's also a former champion having lifted the trophy with Rose Ayling-Ellis back in 2021.
Amid all the drama surrounding him and his former partners, Pernice reached out to Ayling-Ellis last week to prove their bond hadn't been affected by the controversy.
And if Pernice is to return to the dancefloor for the 2024 series, he may be joined by Ted Lasso and Game of Thrones star Hannah Waddingham who's been heavily rumoured to be one of the first celebs signed up for the new series.
GB News has contacted Pernice's representatives for comment.
