Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice was attacked during a night out with friends in Epping five years ago.

At that time, the Sicilian professional was in the bbc show for several years and was well known for his record-breaking dance moves. The attackers reportedly snatched his watch from his wrist and stole a backpack he was carrying after seeing him around.

To get hold of the stolen items, the robbers allegedly sprayed Giovanni with a “harmful substance.” He initially feared it might be acid after his eyes began to sting intensely, but it was reportedly later identified as pepper spray.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene, according to The Sun. A source told the publication, at the time of the horrific experience: “His first thought was that it was an acid attack because of the burning in his eyes.

“He was absolutely terrified (and) it took a huge toll on his confidence.” Fortunately, it did not cause any lasting damage.

Giovanni is not the only one bbc pro having been attacked, with Gorka Márquez losing two teeth after being attacked by thugs in Blackpool in 2016, and Pasha Kovalev having his mobile phone snatched by moped raiders in London.

He continued his Strictly routines and only left the show this year after allegations made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington led to him quitting.

He was eventually cleared of charges of serious misconduct before the bbc confirming six of the 17 accusations made against him, but innocent of the other 11 “more serious” ones, such as threatening and intimidating behavior and physical violence.

He bbc The investigation confirmed Amanda’s claims that she had sworn and used language that could have been perceived as “disparaging” in the rehearsal room.

Now that the investigation into his conduct has ended, Giovanni has hinted that he may return to the show in the future, joking: “Never say never!” when asked about it on Lorraine’s show.

Either way, viewers haven’t heard the last from the professional dancer after a series of new projects were announced.

His loyal fans were heartbroken to learn that he had signed up for Ballando con le Stelle, a version of Strictly but held in his native Italy.

They have been taking to social media to vote for him and his partner Bianca Guaccera each week, with both regularly scoring top marks.

Her latest performance in Cabaret was a hit with Brits and Italians alike and she received many likes on her recent post about it.

Meanwhile, he will return to the UK in 2025 to undertake a solo tour of his show, The Last Dance, between January and July, and will also be seen on screen in new Channel 4 show Celebrity Hunted next year.