Giovanni Pernice made a triumphant return to Strictly last night, where he was praised by the judges, presenters and fellow professional dancers for his unforgettable silent dance.
The star, who was forced to leave the show following a BBC investigation into Amanda Abbington’s claims that he bullied her, played a major role in the programme’s 20th anniversary special.
He was praised for his groundbreaking dance with deaf partner Rose Ayling Ellis in 2021.
The pair stunned the audience when halfway through their performance to Clean Bandit’s Symphony, the music stopped but the dance continued.
The special performance was dubbed the ‘greatest dance of all time’ on Strictly.
Mr Pernice’s return came when he took part in the final of the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando Con Le Stelle.
He and partner Bianca Guaccero were favorites to win after topping the leaderboard every week of the series.
Recalling his performance with Ms Ayling Ellis in Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years, Motsi Mabuse said: “The couple’s choice of Rose and Giovanni is one of those dances that follows me to this day. It was so moving.”
Giovanni Pernice, who was forced to leave the show due to a BBC investigation into Amanda Abbington’s claims that he bullied her, played a major role in the anniversary special
He was praised for his groundbreaking dance with deaf partner Rose Ayling Ellis, which was called the ‘greatest dance of all time’ on Strictly.
Mr Pernice’s return came when he took part in the final of the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando Con Le Stelle
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” while host Tess Daly added: “I had goosebumps on my arms and tears in my eyes.”
Friends of Mr Pernice, who was acquitted of Ms Abbington’s most serious charges, say he was happy to be remembered despite abruptly leaving the show last year.
But he was smiling last night in Rome as he and Ms Guaccero took part in the final of the Italian competition.
Speaking about the finale, he said: “I am overwhelmed by the love and support shown.”
The BBC initially recommended that Ballando Con Le Stelle sign Mr Pernice, 34, to their show, paving the way for his return to the spotlight.