As Giovanni Pernice makes a brief return to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, the Mirror takes a look at the Italian dancer's life now, following the row that saw him walk away from the show

Giovanni Pernice has thanked Strictly fans for supporting him on an Italian dance show in the wake of a BBC probe into allegations of abuse.

Giovanni’s triumph in Italy marks a significant chapter after his dramatic exit from Strictly Come Dancing. Earlier this year, the BBC upheld allegations of verbal bullying and harassment against him, lodged by his former Strictly partner Amanda Abbington.

Giovanni Pernice has won the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing months after a BBC internal investigation into complaints about his behaviour on the show. Professional dancer Pernice said his Ballando Con Le Stelle victory with partner Bianca Guaccero, who is also his girlfriend, was a dream, adding: "After a difficult year I'm back".

Pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, 34, was handed the trophy on Saturday evening after making his debut this year on Ballando Con Le Stelle following his controversial exit from Strictlyafter nearly a decad

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Bianca Guaccero and Giovanni Pernice are a golden couple. They are the winners of 'Dancing with the stars 2024' in Italy and, if that wasn't enough, they are currently in love.

Giovanni Pernice has well and truly put his Strictly Come Dancing woes behind him as he won the Italian version of the show with his new girlfriend.

EXCLUSIVE: It comes after Giovanni, 34, vowed to marry divorced mother-of-one Bianca Guaccero, 43, after they landed the top spot - thanks in part to die-hard fans voting from the UK.