Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice shocks fans as he announces huge career change after postponing the news amid his and Amanda Abbington’s BBC show exit

Giovanni Pernice, 33, has shocked fans after announcing a huge career change from professional dancer to entrepreneur following his departure from Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer is launching his own fragrance line after his annual competition appearance was cut short.

Giovanni and his celebrity dance partner, Amanda Abbington, 51, were set to return to the glitzy ballroom for the show’s annual Halloween special after missing the week before.

But before the celebratory episode, she confirmed she couldn’t continue due to “personal reasons.”

Giovanni’s new unisex fragrance – Vita – is a ‘dancer’s dream come true’ and he hopes to have the latest product on the dressing table by early November.

Last week, Giovanni postponed the launch of his new cosmetics brand after his dance partner Amanda was forced to quit the BBC show.

The big reveal was supposed to take place on Tuesday, October 24, but he postponed it until this week due to the news.

A source told MailOnline at the time: ‘It was going to be such a big week for him with the launch of his new company GP Vita, but after Amanda’s announcement it didn’t feel right for him to go ahead with the planned plan. ‘

Giovanni shared his exciting new announcement with his one million Instagram followers, saying: ‘My dream has finally come true!

‘VITA is my new fragrance for men and women – an intoxicating scent that captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily.

‘I have long been passionate about scents and the way scents can captivate emotions and transport us to another place. VITA is the embodiment of my passions, a personal and complex fragrance that slowly seduces as it unfolds on the skin.

‘I hope you love VITA as much as I do. Visit gpvita.com for more information. Giovanni.’

Shocked fans cheer the tinkling star as many gush over the new scent.

One user wrote: ‘Congratulations Gio, this is fantastic news. Already ordered and I can’t wait to try it… We’re all going to smell the same at the meet & greet next year, you know that, right?’

Strictly champion Ore Oduba among those writing: ‘No way!!! Brother, I can still smell you from here!! Always know when I’ve been in your company, great news, well done brother x.’

Another fan wrote: ‘I’m going to buy this. Good luck with this, Gio – you are a remarkable, hardworking and beautiful human being. I wish you even more success, because you really deserve it. Buona Fortuna and God bless you always.”

Fellow Strictly star Gorka Marquez said: ‘@giovannipernice is my Christmas present fixed it.’

A bottle of the new scent will cost fans £50 for 50ml and £75 for 100ml.

Those who purchase the fragrance before November 12 will receive a personally signed thank you card from Giovanni Pernice and will be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to Giovanni’s Let Me Entertain You live show from January 2024, including a personal VIP meet and greet (at a venue optionally)’

Monday’s announcement comes just days after the star was seen looking downcast for the first time since Amanda quit the competition.

Giovanni was wrapped in a padded jacket and track pants as he hopped on an e-scooter in London on Wednesday evening.

The sighting comes after it was revealed that Amanda has withdrawn from the show for ‘personal reasons’ after not performing on last Saturday’s episode.

Amanda didn’t say why she quit, but said she didn’t come to the decision “lightly” as insiders claimed her time on the show was plagued with difficulties.

She thanked her team but did not mention Giovanni, writing: ‘It is with great regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly, but for personal reasons I cannot move forward.

‘It has been an absolute pleasure working with my fellow competitors, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and will miss seeing and competing together every Friday and Saturday.

‘I would like to thank the amazing production team and everyone at Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. They are a great bunch of people and I will miss them all.

‘I’m so sad that I can’t continue. Thank you to everyone who voted and sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all wonderful. Really. Thank you. xxx’.

Giovanni later took to his Instagram and shared a backstage photo with Amanda during Movie Week.

He captioned it: “Amanda..I’m so sad we can’t continue but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and sending you so much love.”

On Monday’s It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s departure, releasing a statement saying: ‘Amanda Abbington cannot continue on Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.”

A Strictly insider told MailOnline of Amanda’s withdrawal: ‘This is something Amanda has unfortunately had to think about since the end of last week.

‘It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties, but she just didn’t think there was any other option. As hard as it was, there was a chance they could have won.”