It’s been a tough year for Giovanni Pernice after the Strictly professional dancer was hit with a slew of allegations regarding his training techniques and behaviour in rehearsals.

The pro is believed to have since quit the BBC show and has denied any allegations of “threatening and abusive” behaviour. Most recently, Giovanni was dealt yet another blow after a male celebrity reportedly joined the three female stars who have issued complaints about the Italian dancer.

 

So it’s unsurprising that Giovanni appears to be making great attempts to distance himself from the hit BBC dancing show, despite BBC bosses reportedly being “very keen” to keep him. A leaked memo in May showed that Giovanni’s name didn’t feature among this year’s roster of professional dancers, fuelling speculation about his departure. Now, Giovanni is said to be eyeing new opportunities on the small screen after his success on his travel programme with pal Anton Du Beke. He also appears to be setting his sights on a whole new career after setting up two new businesses.

Perfume and candle business

 

Giovanni stunned fans last year when he launched his very own fragrance for men and women, VITA, which he has been promoting throughout the last six months. Retailing at £63.75 for 100ml, it certainly isn’t cheap and is advertised as the “new intoxicating scent from Giovanni Pernice which captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily”.

 

Giovanni released his fragrance VITA this year

Giovanni released his fragrance VITA this year ( 
Image:
Instagram)

 

He is now selling a candle
He is now selling a candle ( 

Image:
Instagram)

 

The pro dancer has since released a new £45 candle which “brings the unique fragrance experience of VITA to your home”. It is the second product from his company GP VITA, which he first filed in June 2023. The nature of the business is described as the “retail sale of cosmetic and toilet articles in specialised stores”. Giovanni is listed as a director alongside Nicholas Hill and Thomas Vogt-skard.

 

Currently, VITA can be bought on the company’s website, Amazon and Perfumery & Co.

Dance school

In April this year, Giovanni filed Rock You Productions Ltd at Companies House alongside Paul Irving, who produced his recent tour, Let Me Entertain You, as well as several other Strictly stars’ tours. The nature of the business is stated as “operation of the arts facilities”, suggesting that Giovanni could be taking the steps to create his own dance school is he hangs up his Strictly shoes.

Own tour

Giovanni is also kicking off his own tour next year after enjoying a successful run with his Let Me Entertain You tour. Called ‘The Last Dance’, tickets are available for sale on his website and range from £50 – £136 per person.

Giovanni will be kicking off his tour next year
Giovanni will be kicking off his tour next year ( 

Image:
Instagram)
He will be starting the tour in Hayes, heading through York, Darlington, Blackpool. Southend, Cardiff to the London Palladium. During the show, Giovanni will be taking to the stage with his company of “world class performers” as he promises to give fans a “mesmerising production that transcends the boundaries of live performance”.