Giovanni Pernice 'absolutely terrified' after ex-Strictly star 'blinded' in attack

Giovanni Pernice on ITV's Lorraine show (Image: ITV)

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice was targeted during a night out with friends in Epping five years ago.

At the time, the Sicilian pro had been on the BBC show for several years and was well known for his record-breaking dance moves. The attackers reportedly snatched his watch from his wrist and stole a rucksack he was wearing after spotting him out and about.

To effectively make off with the stolen items, the muggers allegedly sprayed Giovanni with a "noxious substance". He feared it could be acid at first after his eyes began to sting intensely, but according to reports, it was later identified as pepper spray.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene, according to The Sun. A source told the publication, at the time of the horror experience: “His first thought was that it was an acid attack because of the burning in his eyes.

“He has been left absolutely terrified [and] it has hugely knocked his confidence." Fortunately, it didn't cause any long-lasting damage.

Giovanni Pernice on the red carpet (Image: PA)

Giovanni isn't the only BBC pro to have been attacked, with Gorka Marquez losing two teeth after thugs attacked him in Blackpool in 2016, and Pasha Kovalev having his mobile phone snatched by moped muggers in London.

He soldiered on with his Strictly routines, only leaving the show this year after allegations made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington led him to step down.

He was ultimately cleared of gross misconduct allegations with the BBC upholding six of the 17 claims she made against him, but innocent of the other 11 "more serious" ones such as threatening and intimidating behaviour and physical violence.

The BBC probe upheld Amanda's claims that he'd sworn and used language that could have been perceived as "belittling" in the rehearsal room.

Now that the investigation into his conduct is over, Giovanni has hinted that he could return to the show in the future, teasing: "Never say never!" when asked about it on the Lorraine show.

Either way, viewers haven't heard the last of the pro dancer after a slew of new projects were announced.

His loyal fans were heartbroken to hear that he'd signed up for Ballando con le Stelle - a version of Strictly but held in his native Italy.

They've been heading over to social media to vote for him and partner Bianca Guaccera each week, with the pair regularly getting top scores.

Their latest Cabaret performance went down a storm with Brits and Italians alike and received a load of likes on his recent post about it.

Meanwhile, he'll return to the UK in 2025 to tour solo for his show, The Last Dance, between January and July, and will also be seen on screen in new Channel 4 show Celebrity Hunted next year.