Amber Davies reacts to Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
Strictly star Giovanni Pernice is set to reunite with his former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars a year after leaving the show amidst bullying allegations.
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The dancer will join Anton Du Beke, Aljaž Škorjanec, Janette Manrara, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley and Karen Hauer for a two-day Strictly-themed event named Dancing with the Stars.
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This follows one star from the programme making an announcement on their career this week.
The events, taking place at Celtic Manor Resort Hotel and Spa in Newport and De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor, are not associated with the BBC.
Normally, the Beeb has stringent rules about stars linked to the show participating in external work related to it. However, it’s believed that the current Strictly dancers have been given the green light by the official BBC show producers to participate in the event next July, according to The Mirror.
The event promises “three days of spectacular dance showcases as the Stars perform up close and personal for a truly intimate experience unlike any other – learn to dance with them, plus hear all about their fabulous journeys.”
According to the brochure, “If you love Strictly, this is your Ultimate 5* Weekend Break.”
Giovanni’s involvement demonstrates his close ties with the current stars and solidifies his status as a fan favourite. The star had previously faced accusations of bullying from his dance partner Amanda Abbington.
A subsequent internal BBC investigation upheld six out of 17 complaints against him, but none relating to physical aggression.
Giovanni previously revealed the devastating impact of the allegations on his personal life, stating: “Nobody wanted to be seen with me.”
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On the opening night of his tour, he shared his experience of being ostracised, which left him heartbroken.
“I felt like the world collapsed….I didn’t have anybody around me,” he confessed. “All the people that were supposed to be my friend disappeared.”
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Giovanni described feeling isolated, adding: “Nobody wanted to see me, they were like ‘oh you can’t be with him’. Before the allegations, Gio said he felt “like I was on the top of my game.”
He reflected: “I was untouchable, was a superhero….but fate did have different plans for me.” However, he managed to navigate through the difficult period by maintaining a positive outlook.
“I always had a voice in my head, saying ‘don’t worry….we know that all of this is going to finish. One day you’ll be back on top and you will feel again.”
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The 34-year-old Italian professional has always maintained that he was simply a “strict teacher” and not a bully towards the Sherlock star.
He clarified at the end of last year: “Bully is a big word and there’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do.
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“I’m glad 11 allegations have been thrown out. At the beginning there were very serious allegations, for instance threatening her or abusing her, and all of this has been taken out. ‘m a strict teacher. I said it myself. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.”