Giovanni Pernice's 'acid attack' horror as ex-Strictly star 'blinded' | Celebrity News

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice was targeted five years ago during a night out with friends in Epping.

At the time, the Sicilian professional was working on the BBC show for several years and was known for his record-breaking dance moves. The attackers reportedly ripped his watch off his wrist and stole a backpack he was wearing after spotting him on the road.

To effectively make off with the stolen items, the robbers allegedly sprayed Giovanni with a “harmful substance”. He initially feared it might be acid after his eyes began stinging severely, but reports say it was later identified as pepper spray.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics, according to The Sun. A source told the publication at the time of the horror experience: “His first thought was that it was an acid attack because of the burning sensation in his eyes.

“He has become absolutely terrified (and) it has really damaged his self-confidence.” Fortunately, it didn’t cause any long-term damage.

Giovanni is not alone BBC pro to have been attacked, with Gorka Marquez losing two teeth after thugs attacked him in Blackpool in 2016, and Pasha Kovalev having his mobile phone taken by moped robbers in London.

He continued with his Strictly routines and only left the show this year after allegations from Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington prompted him to resign.

He was eventually acquitted of charges of gross misconduct against the BBC She upheld six of the seventeen claims she made against him, but was innocent of the other eleven ‘more serious’ claims, such as threatening and intimidating behavior and physical violence.

The BBC The investigation confirmed Amanda’s claim that he had sworn and used language that could have been perceived as ‘disparaging’ in the rehearsal room.

Now that the investigation into his behavior is over, Giovanni has hinted that he could return to the show in the future, teasing: “Never say never!” when asked about it on the Lorraine show.

Either way, viewers haven’t heard the last of the professional dancer after a slew of new projects were announced.

His loyal fans were heartbroken to hear he had signed up for Ballando con le Stelle – a version of Strictly but held in his native Italy.

They took to social media every week to vote for him and partner Bianca Guaccera, with the pair regularly achieving top scores.

Their latest Cabaret performance was loved by both Brits and Italians and received many likes on his recent post about it.

Meanwhile, he will return to Britain in 2025 to tour solo for his show The Last Dance between January and July, and will also appear on screen in new Channel 4 show Celebrity Hunted next year.