One former dancers’ admission dominated the comments section of a social media post
Strictly Come Dancing fans are making a big demand to the BBC as the professional line-up for the 2025 series was confirmed.
In a surpise move on Friday (April 11) afternoon, it was announced that Strcitly will be returning in the autumn for its twenty-third series.
Last year saw Australian native Dianne Buswell finally win the Glitterball after she and blind comedian Chris McCausland were voted the 2024 champions by the public.
With Dianne returning to try and repeat her accomplishment, no dancers have been axed from the programme for the upcoming series.
This means that Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will all be back on the dacefloor.
Additionally, the BBC revealed that two new professional dancers will be taking part, with their identities to be unveiled closer to the series’ return.
The comments section of Strictly’s official announcement on Instagram saw viewers expressing their disappointment that Giovanni Pernice will not be returning.
@dionnesuppiah said: “I miss Giovanni I wish he was coming back.” @lynseyone added: “Please bring back @giovannipernice.”
@mcnivenanne wrote: “I miss Giovanni and JoJo…all of the pros are incredible dancers, but some just don’t have the personality or the watchability.” @mrsfruitbat21 posted: “Gosh I hope Giovanni is coming back.”
@ali_bobs_69 commented: “Amazing can’t wait but where is Giovanni, he’s so missed.” @Stem8.2 stated: “BRING BACK GIOVANNI!!”
A BBC investigation was launched into allegations of misconduct made by former contestant Amanda Abbington about her professional dance partner Giovanni during her time on the show in 2023.
The BBC upheld ‘some but not all’ of the allegations made by Amanda, 51, about Giovanni, 34, who has denied the accusations.
It is understood to have had no findings relating to physical aggression but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.
The BBC updated its duty of care practices on the show after the review, and led Strictly to having chaperones present when celebrities and dancers are practising their routines.
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima also left the show after claims about his alleged conduct made by former dance partner Zara McDermott.
