Giovanni Pernice has been forced to sit out some of the 'Strictly Come Dancing' group dances due to an ankle injury.

Giovanni Pernice is missing the Strictly group dances due to an ankle injury

Giovanni Pernice is missing the Strictly group dances due to an ankle injury

The professional dancer had been due to join his co-stars to film the sequences - which are pre-recorded ahead of the live shows - this weekend (29-30.07.23) but Giovanni has now confirmed he will be absent from the routines after hurting himself during a performance with Anton Du Beke on their 'Him and Me' tour.

In a post on his Instagram page, the dancer explained: "Hi everyone – just a quick update. As you probably know, I’m on tour at the moment with Anton. During one of the dances, I twisted my ankle on stage – I’ve been to the physio today and he advised me to rest for a few weeks.

"This means I’m not going to be able to dance at the weekend – I know a few people are coming – but I will still be there to entertain all of you with Anton… This also means I’m going to miss a few of the professional 'Strictly' group numbers."

He went on to insist he just needs to rest up so he's fit in time for the new series.

Giovanni added: "I just need to give some rest to my ankle and come back stronger than ever for the upcoming series of 'Strictly', which I’m really looking forward to. Sending lots of love to everyone out there – stay strong."

Preparations are well underway for the news series of the BBC talent show which is due to kick off in the autumn. The line-up is currently being kept under wraps but it's rumoured to include footballer Jill Scott, TV presenter Angela Scanlon and couple Emma and Matt Willis.

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