Giovanni Pernice's new move from Strictly to Channel 4 is a 'risk', claims expert

is taking a "huge step" towards rebuilding his public image after 's accusations against him - but it could be a "risk", an expert has claimed.

The former pro has not shared whether he intends to return to the show after being cleared of 11 out of the 17 allegations made against him - but he will be going ahead with his show on the rival channel, which has already been filmed. Now PR expert Edward Coram-James has shared what the upcoming appearance, which will see him go "on the run" while being hunted by expert detectives with military and police backgrounds, could mean for him.

He suggested that Giovanni could reveal a new side to him which the public had never seen before, but will first need to put his rollercoaster past behind him. "Giovanni Pernice's move to , especially after the intense scrutiny from the Strictly bullying probe, is a risk - and a golden opportunity," Edward stated.

"Strictly was an enormous platform for him, where he became a household name and earned a devoted fanbase, but the recent controversies have clouded that legacy. "However, I believe this move to Channel 4 shouldn't necessarily mean cutting ties with the BBC or Strictly."

He added: "If Giovanni is successful on Celebrity Hunted, proving his versatility and bolstering his public support, it could make him more appealing to the BBC in the future and even re-open the Strictly door, if that's something he wants." Edward also cautioned that Strictly needs to "do more to protect the mental health of its contestants and professionals" - and steps have already been taken towards new beginnings, with the introduction of chaperones.

Edward continued: "Due to the nature of the reality TV show, joining Celebrity Hunted provides a chance for Giovanni to show a different side of himself, away from the scrutiny of the dancefloor - a chance to position him as neither a victim nor bully but as someone who has taken the experience in stride and is moving forward in a positive direction.

"But it's not just about showing up - he'll need to perform well on the show, be a team player, and prove he can handle pressure and challenges."

He added that "working well with the other celebrities, keeping his cool, and showing his resilience" could be crucial in shaping public perceptions of him going forward.

"Securing media interviews where he can discuss both his past on Strictly and his excitement for Celebrity Hunted will be key," he concluded.

"If he approaches this with the right attitude - humble, determined, and focused - it could be a huge step toward rebuilding his public image."

Giovanni left the UK for his native Italy after vowing to clear his name - and the Strictly probe results confirmed that he'd been cleared of all the more serious allegations.

However, he was found to have used "belittling" language towards his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, including swearing, while two incidents of sexual "banter" between them which had offended Amanda were also referenced.

Giovanni has been a huge hit on the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle, with some of the social media votes for him to progress in the competition known to have come from his British fans.

It now remains to be seen whether his upcoming stint on Channel 4 could lead to him putting the Strictly scandal behind him once and for all.