Giovanni Pernice is could be gearing up for an exciting return to the dance floor next week, albeit in a different nation. It's been reported that the star has signed on for Italy's version of the hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing, known as Ballando con le Stelle.

The 34-year-old is set to be joining the show despite the BBC investigating claims of bullying made against him by Amanda Abbington accusations which he strongly refutes.

According to The Mail on Sunday, Giovanni is believed to be being introduced as a professional dancer this Sunday, with rehearsals set to start the following week.

There had been speculation that the Italian programme might hesitate to sign him due to these unresolved allegations, but with reports indicating insubstantial evidence and weak accusations by Abbington, they have opted to proceed with his involvement, much to Giovanni's excitement, reports Birmingham Live.

An insider has divulged: "Gio is thrilled, he has been hoping that it would happen, he had everything crossed. He is so excited that he can keep on dancing and what makes it all the more lovely is that it will be in his home country."

The source added: "The deadline has been looming and the BBC has been on pause with its result but the Ballando bosses love him, they adore him, and they have now signed him.

"It is absolutely horrendous for Gio. He has been stuck in limbo and has been unable to move on with his life. It will be a lovely, lovely boost for him."

Ballando con le Stelle first aired back in 2005, one year after the UK saw the premiere of Strictly Come Dancing.

Express.co.uk have contacted Giovanni's representatives for comment.

Giovanni isn't the only Strictly Come Dancing UK star who won't be returning for its upcoming series.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Graziano Di Prima was axed from the BBC show.

It comes after bosses watched "shocking" footage of him with his partner Zara McDermott.

However, fans have been delighted to see Amy Dowden will be making her way back to the dancefloor after battling breast cancer.

The 34-year-old was seen in the latest trailer with the other returning professional dancers as they prepare for the launch show on September 14th.

It's not known what celebrity the pros will be matched with, although it appears as though the males all have one star in mind.

According to The Sun, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri is the top pick as a source said: "She [Tasha] has all the qualities to win the competition, making her the top pick among the male pros."

Other stars competing this year include Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, DR Punam Krishnan and Pete Wicks.

Also showcasing their moves this year will be Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Jamie Borthwick, Tom Dean, Montell Douglas, Nick Knowles, Paul Merson, and Sam Quek,

Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to screens on BBC One at 7.20pm on Saturday 14 September 2024.