Giovanni Pernice to return to TV after Strictly exit as he joins Channel 4 show
by Naomi Clarke PA Senior Entertainment Reporter · ChronicleLiveFormer Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice is set to make a comeback on British television as he joins the line-up for Celebrity Hunted, teaming up with fellow professional dancer Kai Widdrington.
The Italian dancer was absent from the latest series of the BBC's celebrity dance contest following his previous partner Amanda Abbington's allegations about his conduct, in which she described experiencing a "toxic environment" and "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying".
A BBC probe into the actress’s claims concluded that "some, but not all" of the complaints against Pernice were substantiated, although he has consistently denied "any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour". Channel 4 has now confirmed that Pernice will participate in their reality challenge show Celebrity Hunted, which is part of the Stand Up To Cancer fundraising campaign.
In the show, celebrities try to stay off the radar while being pursued by a crack team of hunters. Pernice and Widdrington will be pitted against other famous faces including Loose Women's Denise Welch and her husband Lincoln Townley, Blue's Duncan James with model Christine McGuinness, former EastEnders actor Danielle Harold and Coronation Street's Kimberly Hart-Simpson, news presenters Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini, and podcast hosts David Whitely and Zeze Millz.
The contestants are tasked with avoiding capture for two weeks, while the hunters have access to extensive resources to locate them.
The hunters' squad, which includes police and military personnel, boasts access to an array of high-tech equipment such as CCTV footage, helicopters, drones, dogs, media campaigns, and cutting-edge cyber forensic technology. Shine TV's Director of Programmes, Matt Bennett, expressed his excitement: "There’s nothing more delicious than watching our much-loved celebrities turn fugitive and go on the run as they attempt to escape the hunters, all in aid of the excellent charity Stand Up To Cancer."
He added, "This year we have a stellar line up who have truly kept the hunters on their toes."
Bennett promised viewers gripping television, saying, "With dramatic escapes to daring captures, this season of Celebrity Hunted will keep the Channel 4 viewer on the edge of their sofas from one programme to the next. Jason Bourne would be proud of them all."
Meanwhile, Tom Hutchings, the executive producer at the production company, teased that the upcoming series will be the "most exhilarating" yet.
He detailed, "Expect trips to Albert Square and Blue concerts, celebrities begging for money and clothes, failed camping attempts and blagged moments of luxury, and a team of 30 hunters stopping at nothing to catch them," Hutchings also assured fans, "No celebrities were harmed in the making of this programme, only a few bruised egos."
The thrilling chase is set to begin on Channel 4 from January 5 at 9pm.
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