Strictly's Giovanni Pernice shares 'exciting news' as fans demand BBC return

Giovanni Pernice has revealed 'some exciting news' to his followers amidst recent speculation about his future with Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer, who was not asked back to the BBC One dance programme last year, has been actively touring the country since earlier this year.

His journey began with his solo tour, The Last Dance, which he has previously stated will be his final tour - for the time being - having embarked on a nationwide tour with his own show for a number of years.

After wrapping up the tour in May, Giovanni wasted no time before hitting the road again, this time alongside friend and Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.

Their show, named Together Again, features them performing together across the UK.

This isn't the first time the duo have shared the stage, having previously embarked on the popular Him and Me tour in 2021 and 2023, reports The Manchester Evening News.

As the tour approaches its conclusion, Giovanni is not slowing down as he announced his next venture. In a video posted by Donaheys on Instagram, the Italian star can be heard saying: "Hello everyone! It's me, Giovanni. Now, some exciting news. I will be back at Donaheys Weekend in 2026.

"Now, you know me, and you know how much I love these weekends. There's dancing, there is fun, you can dance, we can have a QandA, you can ask me what you like - I'm so excited for this!"

This follows a clamour from Strictly fans for Giovanni's comeback to the show. Giovanni was excluded from the previous series pending an investigation into his conduct on the show, but he was later absolved of the most severe allegations.

The BBC issued an apology to Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington after upholding some of her complaints against her former dance partner during the 2023 series.

Subsequently, Giovanni triumphed in the Italian version of the BBC One dance contest and America's Dancing with the Stars, partnering with actress and singer Bianca Guaccero.

He is now romantically involved with Guaccero following the show's finale in December.

The Strictly professionals taking part in the upcoming series were announced earlier this year, with two more additions expected to be revealed soon.

Fans can expect to see Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu on the dancefloor.

Also returning are the likes of Johannes Radebe, Jowita Przysta, Kai Widdrington, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, Nancy Xu, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk.

Strictly Come Dancing is set to air later this year on BBC One.