As Strictly Come Dancing fans will already know, the popular BBC dancing competition – currently celebrating its 20th season - has come under severe scrutiny this year following several allegations of misconduct. In addition to former contestant Zara McDermott calling out Graziano Di Prima for allegedly kicking her during training, Amanda Abbington made several official complaints to the BBC over her dance partner Giovanni Pernice's training methods.
After pulling out of last year's series for ‘medical reasons’, in January 2024, Amanda requested rehearsal room footage of her training sessions with pro dancer Giovanni and filed a formal complaint about his conduct, accusing him of bullying. In May 2024, Giovanni walked away from the series as a result of the scandal.
Following a lengthy investigation by the BBC, the broadcaster cleared Giovanni of ten of the 16 allegations made against him. Six of Amanda's complaints against the professional were, however, upheld.
However, despite the trajectory of the last few months, it appears that Giovanni is set to make a return to the series come December (well, sort of) when a 20th anniversary special will be shown featuring 'iconic performances and familiar faces past and present', including some of Giovanni's.
According to The Sun, Giovanni's image is likely to be broadcast on the series when the special looks back at iconic Strictly moments from the last twenty years, including Giovanni's win with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021.
A source told the publication, 'Giovanni made history when he won with Rose so footage from their emotional silent performance is set to feature.'
Viewers are now speculating as to whether the former professional will make a physical appearance for the 20th anniversary special, as it is set to bring back a fair few familiar faces for the milestone.
Earlier this month, shortly after the BBC closed their investigation into Giovanni, Closer caught up with Amanda speaking up about her Strictly experience.
She told us, 'I think it’s important to speak about things that affect you. You have to stand up and say if something upsets you or is bothering you. I think we live in a culture where if we do that, we’re deemed troublemakers, and that’s not the case, especially if you’re highlighting something that has affected you personally, emotionally and mentally. Just address it and not make it the elephant in the room.'
When asked whether the reality TV chapter of her career was closed for good, she commented, 'I did a play recently, and being in theatre and acting is my first love. I’d like to try directing now, so that’s something that I’m looking into – and writing – but me and reality TV don’t really get on with each other.'
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Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about Big Brother, Love Island and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is.