The comeback few saw coming — and one that has sent Strictly loyalists into a frenzy — is now officially underway. Giovanni Pernice is preparing to reunite with a glittering line-up of his former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars, just a year after his dramatic exit from the BBC show amid explosive bullying allegations.

And in a twist that’s raising eyebrows across the dance world, the reunion is happening with the quiet blessing of the BBC — despite the event being completely independent of the corporation.

The Italian heartthrob, once considered untouchable on the Strictly dancefloor, will appear alongside familiar faces including Anton Du Beke, Aljaž Škorjanec, Janette Manrara, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley and Karen Hauer across two glamorous summer dates.

The Strictly-inspired event, titled Dancing with the Stars, will take place at the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel and Spa in Newport, followed by De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor. Promising “up close and personal” performances, the weekend offers fans a rare chance to dance with the pros, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and experience Strictly-style magic — minus the BBC cameras.

Insiders say current Strictly professionals were granted special permission by show bosses to attend the July event, despite the BBC’s notoriously tight restrictions on external projects linked to the brand. For many fans, that approval speaks volumes.

Promotional material for the event makes no attempt to hide the appeal, boasting “three days of spectacular dance showcases” and branding the experience the “Ultimate 5-Star Weekend Break” for Strictly devotees.

But it is Giovanni’s presence that has truly stolen the spotlight.

His return to a Strictly-adjacent stage comes after one of the most turbulent periods of his career. Last year, the dancer faced bullying allegations made by former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, which triggered a high-profile BBC internal investigation.

The inquiry ultimately upheld six out of 17 complaints, while dismissing the most serious accusations, including claims of physical aggression. Still, the damage to Giovanni’s reputation — and personal life — was profound.

Opening up on the first night of his tour, the 34-year-old delivered a raw and emotional account of the fallout, admitting he felt completely abandoned.

“Nobody wanted to be seen with me,” he said. “I felt like the world collapsed. I didn’t have anybody around me. All the people that were supposed to be my friends disappeared.”

Giovanni described a sudden shift from career high to isolation, revealing that before the allegations, he felt invincible.

“I was on the top of my game. I was untouchable — a superhero,” he recalled. “But fate did have different plans for me.”

Despite the heartbreak, the dancer insists he never lost faith in his comeback. During his darkest moments, he says a quiet inner voice kept him going.

“I always had something in my head telling me, ‘Don’t worry. This will finish. One day you’ll be back on top and you’ll feel again.’”

Giovanni has consistently denied being a bully, instead describing himself as a demanding professional driven by perfection.

“Bully is a big word,” he said previously. “There’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do. I’m a strict teacher. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.”

He also pointed out that the majority of allegations were thrown out, adding that initial claims of threats and abuse were dismissed entirely.

Now, with his former Strictly colleagues welcoming him back into the fold — at least unofficially — fans are calling the reunion a powerful statement of redemption.

For many, Giovanni’s return isn’t just about dance. It’s about resilience, reputation, and the quiet comeback of a man who refuses to be defined by his darkest chapter.

And as he steps back into the spotlight — surrounded by familiar faces and roaring applause — one thing is clear: Giovanni Pernice is no longer dancing alone.