Giovanni Pernice will not return to strictly dancing after allegations of ‘military tactics’ during training sessions led to his departure from the BBC show

 After eight years as a prominent figure on Strictly Come Dancing, Giovanni Pernice’s absence from the upcoming season’s lineup has sparked a wave of speculation among fans. The Italian dancer’s departure follows complaints lodged by former partners, including actress Amanda Abbington, who accused him of employing harsh training methods described as ‘military tactics’.

The controversy unfolded publicly when Abbington and others sought legal counsel and insisted on recording their training sessions, citing concerns over Pernice’s behaviour. Despite denying these allegations vehemently, Pernice’s exclusion from the roster has left many wondering if a new male professional will join the show.

Currently, Strictly features nine female professionals and seven male professionals. Fans argue that the uneven ratio suggests room for another male dancer to balance out potential pairing disparities during the season. Speculation intensified on social media platforms, with fans predicting an announcement in July regarding the addition of a new male dancer.

The confirmed lineup includes familiar faces such as Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, and Katya Jones among the returning female professionals. For the male professionals, Neil Jones and Gorka Marquez are among those set to make a comeback. However, the prospect of a fresh face joining the male contingent has captured fans’ attention as they eagerly await updates from the BBC.

The ongoing investigation into Pernice’s conduct continues to unfold, with BBC representatives emphasizing their commitment to resolving the matter thoroughly. Sources close to the situation have indicated that despite Pernice’s absence from the upcoming season, the investigation into the allegations will proceed alongside preparations for the show.

Pernice himself has maintained silence on the matter since the lineup announcement, choosing instead to focus on other dance projects outside of Strictly Come Dancing.

Analysis:

• Political: The controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice highlights the intersection of entertainment and workplace conduct policies within the BBC. The decision to exclude Pernice reflects organizational efforts to address allegations seriously, maintaining standards of professional behaviour.
• Social: Pernice’s departure sparks discussions on training ethics and the treatment of performers in high-pressure environments. It raises awareness about power dynamics and accountability in professional relationships, resonating with broader discussions on workplace culture.
• Racial: While race is not directly implicated in this case, discussions around fairness, respect, and ethical behaviour transcend racial boundaries, emphasizing universal principles of conduct and treatment in professional settings.
• Gender: The imbalance in male and female professional dancers on Strictly prompts discussions on gender representation and equity in the entertainment industry. The potential addition of a new male dancer aims to ensure parity and opportunities for both genders in the competition.
• Economic: Strictly’s decision to potentially introduce a new male professional reflects strategic planning to optimize viewer engagement and ensure the smooth operation of the show. Economic considerations include audience retention and the show’s marketability amidst ongoing developments.