Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice says ‘we are back’ amid BBC investigation into his conduct

Giovanni Pernice shared a video of himself with Anton du Beke ahead of their upcoming live tour

Dancer Giovanni Pernice has told fans “we are back” in a new video with Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton du Beke despite the ongoing investigation into his conduct on the show.

The pair released a video to advertise their upcoming live tour while the BBC investigates Pernice after allegations of “serious complaints” by a group of unnamed women against him.

The professional dancer,33,has insisted that they will “get through it together” amid the questioning of his dance instructions and conduct on Strictly.

The two-month tour,titled Anton and Giovanni: Together,comes after reports that Pernice has stepped away from the dancing show following a series of high-profile comments of discontent from his former celebrity partners.

He has denied any wrongdoing,writing on social media: “I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour and I look forward to clearing my name.”

Pernice has now reunited with Strictly judge Du Beke,56,to share a behind-the-scenes look at their first day of rehearsals ahead of the tour.

Du Beke said: “First day of rehearsals. Always my favourite day. Second day,less so.”

“We are back,whatever we do,we’re going to get through it together,” the dancer responded.

TOGETHER Again!!! https://t.co/3V9oskJqZu NOT TO BE MISSED!! @TheAntonDuBeke @pernicegiovann1 #togethertour #antondubeke #giovannipernice #ukandirelandtour2024 pic.twitter.com/tZEZRkZfbC

— Strictly Theatre Co (@STheatreCo) May 27,2024

Pernice and Du Beke have built up their reputation over the years as a duo after releasing a travel show and touring together.

Their latest live tour begins on June 14 at the Beck Theatre in Hayes,West London,and will end on July 21 at Salford’s The Lowry.

Last week,it was understood that the BBC would receive a dossier of evidence to support complaints about Pernice and according to reports,legal representatives of the group are said to possess images of injuries suffered in training.

The Italian dancer,who won the competition with celebrity partner Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021,has previously stated that he is a “perfectionist” who wanted to get his partners ready for Strictly’s Saturday night shows while also “caring” for them.

He made these comments in early 2024 following several public statements from his former celebrity partners,including Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington,who left the 2023 series for “medical reasons” and later claimed she had been diagnosed with PTSD.

Pernice’s partner for the 2016 series,Laura Whitmore,has also spoken out about her time on Strictly,writing afterwards: “I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with – and in the end,I felt broken,I cried every day.”

Pernice is represented by the law firm Schillings,which will present evidence in defence of the dancer to the BBC.

This is intended to counter evidence that will be presented by law firm Carter-Ruck on behalf of a group of unnamed women who have made “serious complaints”.

Writing on social media this month,Pernice denied any claims of wrongdoing,saying: “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. 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.”