Giovanni Pernice 'on verge of quitting Britain' as private jet pics emerge

Giovanni Pernice appears to living it up in Italy on a private jet amid the ongoing Strictly scandal.

The former BBC star - who is currently battling allegations by his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington over his behind the scenes conduct - flew to his native country today, escaping the rain. He took to Instagram to share an image of a private jet in Britain, with a backdrop of grey and gloomy skies, and then a second one against a bright blue sky and sunshine, which he captioned "Italy".

He posted a third image featuring himself inside the luxury jet with what appeared to be champagne, caviar and blinis. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend, model Molly Brown, is thousands of miles away, enjoying the beaches of Bermuda.

Giovanni's getaway comes as Britain is still reeling from the effects of Storm Lilian, with wind speeds having reached up to 80mph. Amid torrential rain, the annual Leeds Festival was forced to close stages and abandon planned musical performances - and the storm has wreaked havoc in many parts of the country.

Giovanni's surprise trip to Italy could be linked to career plans, as rumours have swirled that he is in advanced stage talks with Ballando con le Stelle to join the Italian version of Strictly as one of the show's pros.

His former co-star Gorka Marquez also returned to his native country to appear as a judge on the Spanish edition of Strictly, although he has flitted back and forth between Spain and the UK, where his partner Gemma Atkinson and their two children live.

Could Giovanni be all set for a similar situation - or would he leave the UK altogether?

Some fans were left distraught earlier in the summer as he billed his 2025 tour The Last Dance his "final solo tour".

He also suffered a huge disappointment when his travel show with Anton du Beke failed to make the NTAs shortlist - despite vowing he'd get his co-star's initials tattooed on his wrist if they won.

Back in June, the pro revealed that he was "cooperating fully" with the BBC investigation into his conduct and that the results of it would reveal "the truth".

However, there has been no further announcement from the corporation since, with scandals involving Huw Edwards and Jermaine Jenas dominating the headlines instead.

Despite claims that he could have lost out on a lucrative deal due to the unfinished status of the investigation, many feel there are opportunities for him in Italy.

A representative for Giovanni has been approached by Express.co.uk for comment.

"I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth," he previously revealed on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Amanda Abbington has revealed she'll never go back to reality TV as she continues to pursue her true love, acting, and takes to the stage for the London play When It Happens To You.