Giovanni Pernice drops new hint he’ll return to Strictly Come Dancing amid fears two stars are quitting

GIOVANNI Pernice has dropped a huge hint he'll return to Strictly Come Dancing - a year after he quit the BBC One show.

The professional dancer, who won the dance competition in 2021, has teamed up with Strictly star Kai Widdrington for his new show.

Kai shared a clip while in rehearsals as he prepares for his 2025 tour, Evolution.

The ballroom star has enlisted the help of the Italian dancer, who will take on the big job of being the show's creative producer.

Before revealing who he was working with, Kai joked: "He's very shy and you may know who it is."

A smiling Giovanni then appeared on camera and said: "Ladies and gents, we're back together and it feels so good."

Kai captioned the video: "Introducing one of the creative producers of the EVOLUTION team, A familiar face I think you may know..."

Some fans were convinced Giovanni's time on Strictly is not over and could be set for a big return.

One wrote: "Oh Giovanni so lovely to see you. Wish you were back on Strictly."

A second posted: "The dream team are back together."

A third commented: "It would be amazing if Giovanni returned to Strictly, he's been missed."

While another added: "It's time to welcome Giovanni back to Strictly!"

Giovanni's possible return may be welcomed amid fears two stars may be preparing to leave the hit BBC show.

Janette Manrara, who stepped back from performing on Strictly in 2021 to co-host It Takes Two, has announced she will take on the iconic role of Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago from March, marking her West End debut.

Meanwhile, Strictly's reigning pro Dianne Buswell, who won the 2024 series with Chris McCausland, has teased a major fashion deal with popular clothing brand InTheStyle.

She’s also branching into broadcasting, hosting a brand-new podcast alongside comedian Chris.

In a Reddit forum, Strictly fans predicted Dianne won't be on the show for much longer.

One wrote: "I can see Dianne leaving," as another said, "I don’t think she’ll be able to top this partnership and this series."

A third mused: "I wouldn’t be surprised if Dianne left to focus either on other career developments or family," and one more wrote: "I can see Dianne is pulling the classic (move) of leaving right after winning."

The pair join a long list of Strictly stars who have gone on to conquer new challenges after leaving the series.

Oti Mabuse left the show after winning with Bill Bailey and is now a judge on Dancing On Ice.

Elsewhere, Giovanni made a return to UK TV screens in Channel 4's Celebrity Hunted, with the Italian star revealing he thought that has his career was 'over' after leaving Strictly.