Strictly is adding a new male dancer after Giovanni Pernice quit show, claim fans after spotting clue

STRICTLY fans are convinced that a new male professional dancer is set to join the BBC One show after Giovanni Pernice quit the show.

Giovanni has become central to a series of official complaints made against him regarding his “military tactics” in rehearsals.

The Sun last week revealed that Giovanni had stepped down from the show amid ongoing investigations.

With Giovanni now absent from the next series, fans have jumped to the idea that another male pro will be replacing him.

There are currently more female pros that male ones on the line-up this year - with the likes of Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden and Katya Jones returning.

Fans believe that a new male dancer will be announced in July.

One wrote: "Does anyone else suspect that we are getting a new male pro?

"Having two extra female pros doesn't seem like a very Strictly thing."

A second replied: "Yes! They won't go with just 8 male pros, too much chance of all of them getting partners and no reserves.

"I reckon they'll announce a new guy in July (probably mystery new male gets a partner and Neil stays as reserve)."

Other returning dancers include Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal and Johannes Radebe.

While Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will also be back.

Last week, Giovanni was officially confirmed to be off the show’s line-up, with him missing from the annual professional cast announcement. 

However, the investigation into his behaviour is still not finished, as the BBC try to get to the bottom of what happened. 

“Giovanni's case is very much ongoing,” a source told Daily Mail, adding the announcement was made after the contracts for this year’s pros were finalised. 

“Giovanni's absence has been known for some weeks, he won't have anything to do with the 2024 season,” they added. 

“But the investigation into his alleged wrongdoings will continue to develop alongside preparation for the upcoming series.” 

Last month, it was announced that official complaints had been made against Giovanni by three of his nine former celebrity partners. 

Among them was Amanda Abbington, who was paired with him for the 2023 series but dropped out on medical grounds in October. 

She has since claimed she had mild PTSD from her time on the show.

The other celebrities involved have not been named, but is believed to include Laura Whitmore. 

Last week, a male participant of the show also reportedly joined the group, claiming he needed months of therapy as a result of being on the show with Gio. 

A Strictly spokesman said of the investigation: “If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.

“This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.”

“Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned,” they added. 

Giovanni has hired top legal firm Schillings to rebuke the claims and clear his name. 

Gio has only made one official statement since the investigation launched. 

It read: "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!"