BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice has shared an emotional message after confirming he's taking a 'break'.
The professional dancer paid a heartfelt tribute to his 2024 tour as it concluded, following his announcement that he plans to take a break from performing. The 33-year-old Strictly pro has already hinted to fans that it might be a while before they see him perform again, reports the Mirror.
This worrying update has sparked concerns that he may not return to the BBC show this year.
Recently, fans have been able to watch Giovanni on stage in his Let Me Entertain You live tour.
The solo show toured across the UK, wrapping up at the end of April after delighting thousands of fans who secured tickets to see him perform live.
In recent weeks, fans have gotten even closer to the star as he has also been hosting dance classes through a touring show named Ballando.
The Italian dancer has been leading Ballando alongside fellow dancer Pasquale La Rocca, giving fans the chance to sign up for dance classes.
However, Gio is now taking a break from this project too, hinting that he is reducing his commitments.
On Sunday, Giovanni Pernice took a moment to reflect on his recent dance class experiences, expressing his gratitude for the Ballando tour.
Sharing his thoughts on Instagram Stories, he penned: "Thank you! ! ! To everyone we have seen over the last 4 months thank you so much for the support, the energy and of course the dancing! Ballando On Tour may be over... but Ballando is not! ".
He continued: "We have lots more to come, and of course the event with the judges and Gio at the end of June. See you all soon! " This update comes after an earlier announcement on social media where he hinted at taking a break from performing, only to return in 2025 with a brand new show intriguingly named The Last Dance.
His message read: "I have had a wonderful time this year on my solo tour and already looking forward to even bigger and better next year! After performing in front of over half a million people for seven years in row, I plan to take a little break after next year's tour, so book your tickets in advance for GIOVANNI - THE LAST DANCE."
The BBC has yet to announce the professionals set to hit the Strictly dance floor for the looming 2024 series.
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Giovanni Pernice, who made an unexpected exit from the 2023 season after his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, 51, had to bow out of the competition due to health concerns.
Following her departure, Abbington suggested she had PTSD as a result of her stint on the show, contemplated taking legal action against the programme and the broadcasting company, and several of Giovanni's ex-dance partners emerged alleging he was challenging to collaborate with.
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Despite speculation that he might lose his spot on the show, the BBC has voiced their support for the Italian dancer, as revealed by insiders to The Sun in January: "Some of the professionals and crew feel it needs to be dealt with and Giovanni shouldn't come back this year. The BBC are standing behind Giovanni and won't be pursuing an investigation. It's a shock to some on the show who think something needs to be done about his behaviour."
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