Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice thanked his UK supporters ahead of his performance on the final of Italian dance show Ballando con le Stelle which he went on to win.

Pernice, 34, announced he was joining the Italian “equivalent of Dancing With The Stars” following his departure from the BBC One dancing show amid an investigation looking into allegations about his behaviour made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington.

Sherlock actress Abbington was the first of a number of people to allege “inappropriate” behaviour on the show and claimed she was subject to a “toxic environment” while she danced alongside Pernice, who rejected the claims.

Pernice, 34, and his partner Bianca Guaccero, 43, were crowned the victors of the 19th season of the hit reality programme on Saturday.

Ahead of the final, he posted a video to Instagram and said: “To all my dear friends in the UK that are supporting us all the way.

“We just want to say a massive thank you, because realistically, we couldn’t do anything without you.

“And I tell you why, because, the way that the vote (works), it’s all about likes on social media…

“We can totally see which part of the votes are coming from the UK and you are being unbelievably amazing.”

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The BBC investigation into Pernice’s behaviour upheld “some, but not all” of the complaints made against the professional dancer.

There were no findings relating to physical aggression but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, the PA news agency understands.

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Following the BBC upholding some of her complaints, Abbington said she felt “vindication” and had “no regrets” about lodging them despite receiving “hundreds” of death and rape threats.

Will Giovanni Pernice return to Strictly Come Dancing?

In October, addressing whether he will return to Strictly after his absence this year, he told ITV show Lorraine: “Who knows, never say never.”

Earlier in the month, comedian Chris McCausland became the first blind contestant to win Strictly, lifting the glitterball trophy alongside his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell.