Giovanni Pernice has shared an emotional moment with one of his former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars, highlighting the unwavering support he received during a difficult period. 

The professional dancer, who was absent from the 2024 Strictly series following an investigation into his conduct, 

recently reunited with Debbie McGee, a former partner from the show. 

Pernice expressed his gratitude, revealing that McGee was one of the few people who stood by him when he faced controversy.

A Touching Reunion on Tour

The heartfelt moment took place during Pernice’s The Last Dance tour, which he has hinted may be his final one—at least for now. 

As he took to the stage on Monday night (February 24), he had a special guest in the audience: Debbie McGee, with whom he shared a memorable partnership during Strictly Come Dancing in 2017.

The emotional exchange was captured in a video shared on Pernice’s Instagram Story. With his arm wrapped around McGee, he addressed the audience, saying, “Let me tell you one thing about this… well, I could write a book about this wonderful human being because…”

Before he could continue, McGee playfully interjected, joking, “Not the naughty stories…” to which Pernice responded with a grin, “Most of the naughty stories.”

However, the conversation quickly turned heartfelt as Pernice expressed his deep appreciation for McGee’s support. “This person here, we had an amazing time on Strictly Come Dancing, and she’s one of the few people that, when all of the things were happening, she stood by me. And I definitely can call you a friend.”

As the audience erupted in applause and cheers, McGee affectionately kissed Pernice on the cheek, and the two shared a meaningful embrace, underscoring their strong friendship.

Challenges and Triumphs

Pernice’s reunion with McGee comes after a turbulent time for the dancer. Following an investigation into his behavior during the 2023 series of Strictly, where actress Amanda Abbington lodged complaints about his teaching style, Pernice faced uncertainty about his career. While the BBC upheld some allegations, the most serious accusations were dismissed.

Despite the controversy, Pernice found success elsewhere. He joined the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing and, alongside his partner Bianca Guaccero, claimed victory in the competition. His international success has provided him with a fresh start, though he admitted that the experience had taken a toll on him.

Reflecting on the situation, Pernice previously confessed, “I’m not going to lie, there were dark moments where I thought, ‘This is finished, this is the end of my career.’ That was one of my down moments.”

However, he remained resolute, stating, “I know what I did – that kept me calm because I knew the truth from the beginning. I was expecting and waiting for all of this to be resolved. I know what the truth is, I know who I am, so you just wait and move on with life.”

Looking Ahead

With The Last Dance tour in full swing, Pernice is focusing on his passion for performing. He continues to update fans with behind-the-scenes moments, audience interactions, and reunions with friends like McGee.

While he has suggested that this may be his final tour for now, Pernice’s devoted fan base is hopeful that he will remain in the spotlight. His reunion with McGee was a touching reminder that, even in the face of adversity, true friendships endure.

As he continues his journey, Pernice’s resilience and talent remain at the forefront. Whether on tour, on TV, or in future dance competitions, his emotional connection with supporters and former colleagues proves that his story is far from over.

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