Giovanni Pernice hails fans' 'endless support' amid Strictly Come Dancing scandal in fresh personal update

Giovanni Pernice has spoken out as he thanked fans for their "endless support" and said "better days are to come" as he celebrated his 34th birthday.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star was celebrating his special day on Thursday (September 5). It comes after an investigation was launched by the BBC following allegations made about Pernice by former Strictly participant Amanda Abbington, with the results yet to be made public.

The actress was the first to allege "inappropriate" behaviour on the show and claimed she was subject to a "toxic environment" while she danced alongside Giovanni in the dance contest last year.

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It's since been confirmed that the dancer, who rejects the allegations, will not appear on the new series, which begins in a matter of days on September 14, and the results of the BBC's report are yet to be published.

Meanwhile, in a post on Instagram celebrating his 34th birthday, Giovanni said: "30+4 today. Thank you so much to all of you for the messages, I do appreciate your love and your endless support. Better days to come and exciting news to share with you very soon, love you all Gio."

It comes after his fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima has also left the show following the furore as allegations about his conduct towards 2023 dance partner Zara McDermott emerged. Ahead of the new series, the BBC said it would introduce new welfare measures including a chaperone who will be present “at all times” during rehearsals.

Meanwhile, Giovanni appears to have been ignoring the build-up to Strictly 2024 by heading on a sun-soaked trip. The Italian star shared a string of snaps of himself enjoying sunnier