Amanda Abbington accuses Giovanni Pernice of sending her provocative messages after his return to the show, sparking controversy.

GIOVANNI Pernice sent a defiant message and shared a smiling photo just hours before the Strictly Come Dancing launch.

The professional dancer was dismissed by the BBC after six years due to accusations of mistreating his partner during rehearsals.

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Giovanni Pernice shared a smiling photo hours before the Strictly launchCredit: Instagram/biancaguacceroreal

The star was dismissed by the BBC after six years over mistreatment claims.Credit: Getty
Giovanni has now turned to Instagram to share his excitement about his new show.

He posted about how thrilled he is to be part of the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing.

This comes just hours before tonight’s launch of Strictly.

Giovanni looked happier than ever as he posed for a series of selfies with his new show partner, Bianca Guaccero.

Having joined the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle, he is set to team up with Bianca, who is both an actress and singer.

He captioned the joint post: “Sweaty but… happy, loaded, willing to give their best and ready to make you have fun and dream!

“September 28 is getting closer 😍🌟🪩 Are you ready to support us?”

One supportive fan commented: “So sad we have lost you here in UK on strictly but hope you win trophy as you deserve after an awful year.

Another added: “Gio you thoroughly deserve this opportunity to continue to shine and light up our days.”

A third penned: “Can’t tell you how much I’ll miss you on the UK show. Good luck for Strictly in Italy.”

Giovanni has also since revealed a massive 78-date UK tour just days before the results of the BBC misconduct probe was revealed.

Giovanni The Last Dance – kicks off in January in Hayes.

It will run until May, calling at areas including Stoke, Halifax, Blackpool and Salford.

The star posted a screen grab of the full listings on his Instagram page with the caption: “You know where to find me!! Book now.”

Giovanni was removed from Strictly UK after the BBC conducted an investigation following complaints from Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington, who reported mistreatment by the professional dancer.

Amanda branded Giovanni as “abusive, cruel and mean”.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, Amanda said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.

“I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.

“I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed.

“Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job.

“I was being as amenable as possible and it wasn’t being reciprocated, that’s all.

“And I wanted to complain about it because I didn’t think it was fair — this is a publicly owned company.

“It’s insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash. I know the BBC knew about Giovanni’s behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done. It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him.

“I know what is on those tapes and I am not frightened of those tapes being seen. It goes way beyond treading on my toe. I know what happened and the fact he is blocking the tapes says a lot.”

Other stars have complained about the behaviour of Giovanni, 33, and fellow Italian Graziano Di Prima, and Amanda said: “I’m proud of the people who have come forward. Daring to say something is a big step for people.

The BBC must have been turning a blind eye and the fact other people have come forward must mean there is something going on that is endemic.”

WITH Strictly’s 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series: