Kate Garraway has shared her thoughts on the rumours that Giovanni Pernice has hung up his Strictly Come Dancing shoes after a nine-year stint.
The Good Morning Britain host, 57, confessed that if the rumours of professional dancer Giovanni's departure from the BBC show are true, he'll be sorely missed by his fellow stars and the viewing public who've enjoyed watching him light up the dance floor for almost ten years.
Discussing the potential of Giovanni bidding farewell to Strictly, the GMB presenter expressed: "If it is true, he will be deeply, deeply missed, because he was great on the show and people love him."
The BBC was reportedly "very keen" to keep the 33 year old Italian dancer, who's found himself in hot water over his rigorous training methods with previous celeb partners, including actress Amanda Abbington.
An internal memo that's been leaked doesn't list Giovanni's name among this year's line-up of professional dancers, adding fuel to the fire about his exit. It's suggested that Giovanni is now scouting for fresh opportunities on the telly, reports the Mirror.
Giovanni's decision to step back follows a tense partnership with Sherlock star Amanda, 52, in last year's series. She exited in October and Giovanni allegedly left her in tears due to his demanding rehearsal regime.
"Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start," an insider said of Giovanni's reported decision. "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."
An insider told The Sun: "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."
In a statement shared with the Mirror, a BBC spokesperson said: "The Professional Dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course."
It is claimed the BBC were backing the Italian 'all the way' and he after the broadcaster offered him a new contract.
The under-fire dancing pro has reportedly ended his eight-year stint on the show months after he faced allegations over his tough training methods from previous celebrity partners, including actress Amanda, who suddenly left midway through the last series. Amanda later revealed that she had been diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder after her time on the competition.
Earlier this year, Amanda reportedly requested backstage footage of her training sessions with Giovanni from BBC bosses, potentially in preparation for legal action. Giovanni, who also left the 2023 series after five weeks, is yet to comment on the situation
