Alberto Ravagnani joins ‘Ballando con le Stelle’ cast

Alberto Ravagnani, a former priest and social media influencer, has been announced as a contestant for the upcoming season of the Rai 1 dance competition ‘Ballando con le Stelle’. Ravagnani, who left the priesthood to pursue a different life path, stated that his participation is driven by a desire to ‘reclaim my body’ and move beyond a life centered primarily on words.

The casting decision has drawn criticism from Dj Aniceto, a social activist and former expert for the Department for Anti-Drug Policies. Aniceto described the choice as ‘scandalous,’ suggesting that the public broadcaster may be using Ravagnani’s unique background to generate hype and controversy. Aniceto argued that the figure of a priest carries spiritual significance and should not be used merely as a tool for television spectacle.