Giovanni Pernice is set to appear on a 20th anniversary episode of Strictly Come Dancing despite the allegations made by his former partner Amanda Abbington.
The Italian professional has already been cleared by the BBC following an investigation into his behaviour – and will appear on Channel 4 show Celebrity Hunted.
The 34-year-old will now also feature in the special on December 21, reports the Mail, and may play a prominent part having guided deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis to victory in 2021.
For this turn, he won a Bafta for the show.
A BBC insider told the Mail: “Given his impact, particularity for the Bafta win – which was voted for by the public – it is only the obtuse who would think that Giovanni should not be included in the 20th-year reflections in some form.”
Pernice was cleared of 11 out of 17 of Abbington’s complaints – following a six month investigation – after the Sherlock actress accused him of bullying.
It is understood that he was cleared of the most serious of the allegations.
However, it did find moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace” plus the use of swear words and “belittling, dismissive and insulting” language, it is understood.
Abbington is unlikely to feature in the anniversary show herself having departed for “personal reasons” while filming the series. She is one of 250 odd celebrities to have taken part.
Pernice is not part of this year’s Strictly professional dancing line-up and has since joined an Italian dance show.
He previously rejected “any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour”.
Although BBC producers are still putting the show together, it is unlikely that Pernice, who insists he did not bully Ms Abbington, will be able to watch.
On the same night, he will be taking part in the grand finale of Ballando con le Stelle – the Italian version of Strictly – which he is tipped to win with his actress partner Bianca Guaccero.
He will also go on the run on Celebrity Hunted alongside his 2022 dance partner, Radio 2’s Richie Anderson.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for Pernice said: “We are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni.
“Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.”
Pernice later spoke on Instagram saying he is “happy” after the investigation cleared him of allegations of abuse.
The BBC has been approached for comment.
