Giovanni Pernice’s return to TV confirmed as just days away as he joins Christine McGuinness and Denise Welch

FORMER Strictly dance professional, Giovanni Pernice is returning to British telly, as a contestant on new Channel 4 show, Celebrity Hunted.

The Italian dancer left Strictly earlier this year, after the BBC launched an investigation into claims of alleged misconduct by his former celebrity dance partner, the actress, Amanda Abbington.

But after a six month investigation, the BBC found that it “upheld some, but not all” of the 50-year-old's complaints about Giovanni’s conduct, during their partnership in the 2023 Strictly series.

The Sherlock actress claimed that she suffered a “verbal litany of abuse” and was exposed to a “toxic work environment.”

Dance professional Giovanni, dismissed “claims of threatening or abusive behaviour."

Then In September, a spokesperson for the dancer said that he was “pleased that this six month review has not found any evidence of such behaviour and is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegation’s have not been upheld by the BBC.”

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The 34-year-old has since knuckled down to his stint on the Italian version of the show, Dancing with the Stars, in his native Italy.

But now Giovanni is officially back in competition mode, as he's set to star on Channel 4 reality show Celebrity Hunted, alongside fellow Strictly dancer, Kai Widdrington.

The series which was filmed by Channel 4 in aid of Stand up To Cancer, will see the Strictly dancers attempt to outrun an elite team of Hunters alongside five other pairs of famous faces.

Although it was filmed last year, the series will air in January.

The celebrities taking part include: Blue’s Duncan James teamed up Christine McGuinness, Loose Women’s Denise Welch with husband Lincoln Townley.

Celebrity Big Brother’s Zeze Millz and podcaster David Whitely.

Also EastEnders star Danielle Harold and Corrie’s Kimberley Hart Simpson and news anchors Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini.

Celebrity Hunted airs on Sunday 5th January at 9pm on Channel 4.