Giovanni Pernice officially exits Strictly Come Dancing after 9 years

Confirming the professionals taking part in this year's show, Pernice's name was noticeably missing from the line-up.

During his tenure on the show, Pernice lifted the Glitterball in 2021 alongside Rose Ayling-Ellis, and found himself in the final on multiple occasions, including in 2015 with Georgia May Foote, in 2017 with Debbie McGee and in 2018 with Faye Tozer.

Some of his other partners have included Laura Whitmore, Michelle Visage, Ranvir Singh and, most recently, Amanda Abbington.

Meanwhile, the BBC has confirmed that Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will all take to the dance floor once more in Strictly 2024.

The news of Pernice's departure comes shortly after the Italian dancer denied allegations of "abusive or threatening behaviour" towards his former dance partners, following reports that the BBC had begun an investigation after three ex-contestants instructed lawyers.

Taking to Instagram, Pernice wrote: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."

Read more:

• Amanda Abbington 'went to Strictly producers early on' over Giovanni Pernice's alleged behaviour
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He added: "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 again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."

During last year's competition, Abbington made the decision to bow out just five weeks in, citing "personal reasons".

In a statement responding to reports of an investigation, the BBC said: "It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals. Nor, ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.

"Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high-profile show. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.

"If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken."

It continued: "This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint - that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.

"Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned. We will not be commenting further."

In other Strictly news, long-standing co-host Tess Daly recently teased what's to come for fans this year as the show reaches a landmark 20 years on the air.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press in the winners' room at the BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises, after the series won the award for Best Entertainment Programme, Daly addressed what to expect.

She said: "It's a big year for us."

A premiere date for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is yet to be announced, but fans can expect its return in early autumn.

Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year.

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