Strictly make major decision about whether ‘popular’ Giovanni Pernice can ever return to show after bullying row

GIOVANNI PERNICE will not be returning to Strictly following the bullying row, BBC bosses have ruled.

Show execs felt a comeback for the dancer was not possible after they apologised to his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, 50, over her ordeal last series.

They discussed his future after a BBC investigation upheld six out of 17 complaints against Giovanni, 34.

A source at the BBC said: “While it’s recognised Giovanni remains popular with a lot of Strictly viewers, there is a robust acceptance that he can’t return to the show, ever.

“His time on Strictly is over. There’s no way back for him.

"That’s not a formal punishment, that’s a decision taken at a corporate level, concerned with protecting the reputation of what is a huge Saturday night family show.”

The BBC changed their processes in light of the probe, including getting chaperones to monitor couples during rehearsals.

Italian Giovanni was asked by Christine Lampard in a recent ITV1 interview, “Will we see you back on Strictly?”.

He replied: “Never say never”, adding:

“I’ve got a tour coming up in January, so I will definitely come back to the UK from January to July, and then, who knows?”

We revealed, after the Beeb probe lasting several months, that Amanda planned to sue the Corporation.

The BBC declined to comment.