Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice has declared that he's 'not going anywhere' in a defiant message after wrapping up his UK tour, The Last Dance.
Giovanni Pernice, the former Strictly Come Dancing professional, has emphatically stated he's "not going anywhere" following the conclusion of his UK tour titled The Last Dance.
The charismatic Italian dancer addressed those who had distanced themselves from him after his contentious departure from Strictly last year.
The 34-year-old left the BBC programme amid a storm of controversy when his celebrity partner for the 2023 series, Amanda Abbington, voiced concerns over his conduct.
This led to an investigation that partially upheld some allegations, leaving Giovanni to describe how his "world collapsed" as a result.
Despite the setback, Giovanni continued his dance career by joining Italy's version of Strictly, 'Ballando con le Stelle', and also took his talents on a tour across the UK.
Taking to Instagram, Giovanni reflected on his journey, commenting: "After I took that final bow at The London Palladium, I was reminded of a song; Rise like a Phoenix, because that's how I felt. This tour meant a lot.
"As I said before it started, it was personal – a way to say thank you to everyone that has supported me. It was also a way to reflect on recent times, to say out loud some of the things I was feeling."
Expressing gratitude towards his team, he added: "To @strictlytheatreco my cast, the whole crew – thank you for everything you've done. Thank you for putting your all into it and bringing the show to life, making sure that each show delivered it's best. Every show I stepped out knowing I had the best team and cast with me – you really are all fantastic.
To those who turned their back and walked away because it wasn't good to be seen with me. I see you watching what I'm doing. I see you copying what I've already done, using me as your inspiration - you're welcome. Keep watching. Please keep watching - because this tour may have been called The Last Dance, but rest assured it's not the last from me, there is much more to come and I want you to see it."
Giovanni also expressed his gratitude towards his loyal supporters and family for standing by him, reports Express.
He continued: "The Last Dance was a sincere thank you, and I really really hope you felt that. I'll see you soon for Together Again with my best friend."
His parting words were filled with resilience and anticipation for the future, adding: "So as I took that final bow – I felt love from those who matter, I felt pride, I felt satisfaction and now I look forward to what's to come.
"Because as I said every show on tour (almost 100 of them) – The Last Dance, doesn't mean the last dance – I'm not going anywhere. I'm still standing."
These comments follow Giovanni's previous disclosure about feeling abandoned by friends amidst the Strictly controversy, where he shared during the opening night of his 'The Last Dance' tour: "I felt the world collapsed... I didn't have anybody around me.
"All the people that were supposed to be my friends disappeared. Nobody wanted to see me, they were like, 'Oh, you can't be with him'.
