Under-fire Strictly star Giovanni Pernice makes surprising career move after quitting BBC show
UNDER-FIRE Strictly star Giovanni Pernice appears to be making a surprise career move after quitting the BBC dance show.
Giovanni, 33, is being investigated by the BBC after at least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him.
The Strictly dancer denied the claims in a statement, stating that he “rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and looked forward to clearing his name”.
However, the Italian star seems to have ‘secretly’ laid the foundations for his new career move a month before his controversial exit.
Giovanni has set up two companies in recent weeks, including Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House, according to the Mail.
It suggests that he plans to set up his own dance school academy, similar to former Strictly pros like Kevin Clifton and Oti Mabuse.
Giovanni will be teaming up with Paul Irving, who produced his and other Strictly stars’ tours.
He is also the founder of The Strictly Foundation, which helps raise money for young talent in the stage schools.
The publication reports that Giovanni has a second firm called GP Ballando – which is classed as a “cultural education” type business.
Gio’s other ventures
This is not the first time that Giovanni has tried to cash in on other ventures, after he set up his own beauty and cosmetic brand GP Vita.
He brought out his own range of fragrances for men and women for around £60 a bottle.
The ballroom star has also taken time away from the dancefloor to appear on the big screen and could lead to more Hollywood roles.
Giovanni is set for his acting debut in upcoming film Man & Witch, where he will appear alongside Back to the Future legend Christopher Lloyd, who played the Doc in the hit 80s franchise.
Also starring in the new film is Sean Astin (Goonies, Lord of the Rings), Tami Stronach from The NeverEnding Story and Lost’s Michael Emerson.
A synopsis for the film describes it as: “A heartwarming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the 80s and a comic adventure that both fulfills and subverts the expectations of what a fantasy universe can be.”
Meanwhile, Giovanni had also landed a travel show with judge Anton Du Beke, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily.
Another series was understood to have been commissioned.
Gio drama
Three of Gio’s former celebrity partners – including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington – have come forward to make formal complaints about the Italian dancer, claiming they were left “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
It’s since been claimed others may join them as the investigation continues, with the third partner who’s come forward not named.
Gio quit the upcoming series of Strictly ahead of the damning claims made against him.
In his statement on social media, he wrote: “To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
“No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me,” he continued. “I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”