Giovanni Pernice made a triumphant return to Strictly last night where he was praised by the show’s judges, presenters and fellow professional dancers for his unforgettable silent dance.

The star, who was forced to leave the show because of a BBC investigation following Amanda Abbington‘s claims he bullied her, featured heavily in the programme’s 20th anniversary special.

He was lauded for his groundbreaking dance with deaf partner Rose Ayling Ellis in 2021.

The pair stunned audiences when halfway through their performance to Clean Bandit’s Symphony the music stopped but the dance continued.

The special performance was dubbed the ‘greatest dance of all time’ on Strictly.

Mr Pernice’s return came as he competed in the finale of the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando Con Le Stelle.

He and partner Bianca Guaccero were favourites to win after being top of the leaderboard every week of the series.

Recalling his performance with Ms Ayling Ellis on Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years, Motsi Mabuse said: ‘Rose and Giovanni’s couple’s choice is one of those dances that follows me to this day. It was so moving.’

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Giovanni Pernice, who was forced to leave the show because of a BBC investigation following Amanda Abbington’s claims he bullied her, featured heavily in the anniversary special

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He was lauded for his groundbreaking dance with deaf partner Rose Ayling Ellis, which was dubbed the ‘greatest dance of all time’ on Strictly

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View gallery

Mr Pernice’s return came as he competed in the finale of the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando Con Le Stelle

Giovanni Pernice and dance partner Bianca win Italian Strictly

Head judge Shirley Ballas said: ‘There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,’ while host Tess Daly added: ‘I had goose pimples on my arms and tears in my eyes.’

Friends of Mr Pernice, who was cleared of Ms Abbington’s most serious allegations, say he was thrilled to be remembered despite leaving the show abruptly last year.

But he was smiling in Rome last night as he and Ms Guaccero competed in the final of the Italian competition.

Of the final, he said: ‘I have been overwhelmed with the love and support shown.’

The BBC originally recommended that Ballando Con Le Stelle sign Mr Pernice, 34, to their show, paving the way for his return to the spotlight.