Giovanni Pernice will NOT return to Strictly Come Dancing as BBC confirms update following claims against dancer

After months of speculation, the BBC have now confirmed Pernice will not be returning for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

The broadcaster didn't include Pernice as part of its Strictly line-up of professional dancers for 2024.

It comes after Pernice's last partner on the BBC show, Amanda Abbington, made claims about the choreographer being "nasty" and "militant" after she pulled out of the series early.

Pernice denied accusations made but Abbington's claims were backed by other previous partners Pernice had starred on the show with.

Sherlock star Abbington also went on to say she was diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) following her stint on the show alongside the professional dancer.

Pernice has denied the claims, and taking to social media recently, he stated: "Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."

The BBC reportedly launched an internal investigation following the claims.

It comes as last week, a male dancer joined the three women who had launched the investigation against Pernice.

"After three women came forward, a man has now joined their ranks," a source told the same publication.

Abbington recently explained she asked for her training sessions with Pernice to be recorded, adding: "Giovanni is nasty.

"He was awful to a few of us, a group of us." Speaking about the backlash she has faced since speaking out, she continued: "Giovanni's fans have started trolling me now.

"I have had to come off social media and I'm getting death threats."

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It was reported last month that Pernice would be quitting Strictly, but no official confirmation came until Monday, June 10.

Pernice won the series alongside former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021.

In a recent statement, Pernice told followers of his Instagram account: "To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

"I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners.

"Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!"