Strictlys Giovanni Pernice slams exit claims after feeling wasted this series
BBCStrictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has denied claims he is set to quit the show, saying he plans to remain on the show "for many more years"
The reigning champion, 32, was said to be feeling "embarrassed" about being booted off second following last year's win, and felt "wasted" on the show when he suffered his earliest exit in eight years.
Reports since suggested Giovanni, a fan favourite, had threatened to walk away from the series for good.
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Giovanni's rep has since released a statement insisting the dancer hopes for "many more years on the show".
A source told The Mirror: "This is the show which made Gio's dreams come true.
"Gio loves Strictly and looks forward to many more years on the show dancing and entertaining."
Giovanni has also taken to social media to insist he "isn't going anywhere."
It follows reports from The Sun that the star has "felt wasted" so far this series.
The much-loved dancing professional was partnered with Richie Anderson during this year's series of the BBC One Latin and ballroom show and were booted out of the competition during last weekend's Movie Week.
Giovanni and Richie's final dance was a Samba to The Lion King's Hakuna Matata.
Giovanni took home the 2021 glitterball trophy with deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and even went on to bag a BAFTA for their famous silent dance.
Giovanni had been subjected to feud rumours with his celebrity partner Richie, but he hit back at the rumours during an appearance on It Takes Two previously, insisting the pair got on very well together.
"We are having a good, we're definitely having a good time. Obviously it's a dance competition at the end of the day so we have to learn something," Giovanni insisted.
"But there is no problem. Where is the camera? There is no problem between us, we are having a good time. So forget about what you are writing, it's not true."
Giovanni first joined the BBC dance show in 2015 when he finished 2nd with Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote.
He placed in the final with Debbie McGee, Faye Tozer and Rose – and narrowly missed out on going all the way with Ranvir SIngh.
His least successful runs were with Laura Whitmore who finished 9th and Michelle Visage who was 7th.
He was partnered up with Richie to follow in the footsteps of last year's finalist Bake Off star John Whaite, who was Strictly's first all-male couple.
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