Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas has publicly defended Giovanni Pernice after he was accused of exhibiting ‘threatening and abusive’ behaviour towards his celebrity dance partners.
While it’s been claimed that BBC bosses have banned the cast from discussing the ‘bullying row’, Shirley and fellow judge Anton Du Beke showed their support for the star by teaching at his Ballando dance workshop in London on Sunday.
As Shirley, 57, came onto the stage to teach a Jive, she couldn’t help but express her support for Giovanni – who quit Strictly this year amid the scandal.
She told the dancers it was an ‘honour and a privilege’ to be at the workshop with Giovanni, 33, adding: ‘I’ve known him for 10 years and we’re good friends…’
Offering a ‘huge thank you’ to the Italian professional for having her at his workshop, Shirley continued: ‘I will be one person who will be by his side forever. What you see is what you get with him.’
Strictly judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke showed their support for Giovanni Pernice at his dance workshop on Sunday (pictured) after he was accused of exhibiting ‘threatening and abusive’ behaviour towards his celebrity dance partners
The Queen of Latin went on to share a story about Giovanni’s caring side, revealing that when her mother Audrey battled cancer, Giovanni was a source of comfort for her.
She recalled: ‘He was by my side and even when we were both so busy he would always ask how she was.
‘We were at an event with a bunch of VIPs and me and mum were on the other side of the room but Giovanni moved past them all to come and speak to us.’
While Giovanni has been at the receiving end of much criticism amid the bullying row, Shirley can no doubt relate, having also dealt with backlash and trolling.
At the event she was joined by her social media manager, who she hired to ward off the abuse she faces online.
Seeming emotional, Shirley confessed that being trolled is ‘horrendous’ and she had to bring in someone to ‘delete all the comments from trolls’.
Also attending the event was Anton Du Beke, 57 – who has been performing with the star on their Together tour.
Arriving at the event to teach a Quickstep, the longest serving Strictly professional wasted no time showing how much he cared for Giovanni, wrapping him up in a huge bear hug and calling him his ‘best friend.’
The professional dancer, 33, is at the centre of a bullying row after claims made of misconduct by his Strictly partner Amanda Abbington (pictured) and two other women
As Shirley, 57, came onto the stage to teach a Jive, she couldn’t help but express her support for Giovanni – who quit Strictly this year amid the scandal
She told the dancers it was an ‘honour and a privilege’ to be at the workshop with Giovanni, 33, adding: ‘I’ve known him for 10 years and we’re good friends…’ (pictured outside the event)
The Queen of Latin went on to share a story about Giovanni’s caring side, revealing that when her mother Audrey (left) battled cancer , Giovanni was a source of comfort for her
Also attending the event was Anton Du Beke, 57 – who has been performing with the star on their Together tour
Arriving at the event to teach a Quickstep, the longest serving Strictly professional wasted no time showing how much he cared for Giovanni, wrapping him up in a huge bear hug
Shirley and Anton showed their support for the star hours after he was dealt with the fresh blow that the BBC probe investigating his conduct could run into next year.
The professional dancer, 33, is at the centre of a bullying row after claims made of misconduct by his Strictly partner Amanda Abbington, 52, and two other women.
Up to five celebrities have ‘already provided formal statements’ to two ex-Metropolitan Police detectives who are leading the enquiry, according to The Sun.
A source said the investigation could ‘extend into next year’ and management feel there is significant ‘pressure’ to ensure it is as thorough as possible.
The insider said: ‘Up to five stars have presented evidence in statements and WhatsApp exchanges. Gio is likely to be quizzed last, once everything else is in order.
‘He’s more than happy to speak to investigators and is determined to clear his name.’
The source added the BBC are hoping the findings will not be published in the middle of the upcoming series as the show celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The BBC launched an investigation after Giovanni was accused of ‘bullying behaviour’ while working with celebrity contestants on the dancing show, including Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore.
Amanda, 50, left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni.
Shirley and Anton showed their support for the star hours after he was dealt with the fresh blow that the BBC probe investigating his conduct could run into next year
The Sherlock star said she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and demanded to see footage from rehearsals.
Amanda later rubbished reports Giovanni had asked the BBC to record his rehearsals with the actress over growing concerns about her behaviour – claiming she had requested their dance practices to be filmed, not him.
‘I asked for them to be recorded, it was me. Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.’
The actress is said to have met with Laura and Ranvir earlier this year for an ’emotional summit’ to ‘compare notes’ about their time working with Giovanni amid the BBC’s probe.
Giovanni launched a fightback by hiring rival law firm Schillings. His case is being handled by Joelle Rich, 39, who represented Johnny Depp in his libel trial in 2020.
A spokesman for Giovanni said: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm Giovanni is fully cooperating.
‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.’
Giovanni also shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies.
Giovanni has faced a wave of scrutiny ever since Amanda (pictured) dramatically quit last year
In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she ‘cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while training with him
Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh also complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show
Former partners have also come out to back him, including Debbie McGee, the widow of the magician Paul Daniels, who was paired with him in 2017
He said in a statement: ‘You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
‘I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.
‘Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!’
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