Strictly’s Shirley Ballas backs Giovanni Pernice amid BBC probe

Strictly’s Shirley Ballas has backed Giovanni Pernice amid a BBC probe into allegations of ‘serious misconduct’ against him.

For weeks executives have been investigating claims that professional dancer Giovanni, who recently lost his spot on the show, behaved ‘abrasively’ to his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington. 

And now, head judge Shirley has hailed Giovanni as a ‘true gentleman’ and claimed that ‘the truth will come out’. 

Speaking at Chorleywood Memorial Hall, Herts, on Monday while promoting her new book Murder On The Dancefloor, she said: ‘My feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation or whatever it is they are doing and the truth will come out. 

‘So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely 100 per cent. I won’t pass on the gossip unless I know 100 per cent it is true. I have never, ever, ever experienced any ill will or bad feeling or bad sportsmanship or rudeness from him. He will be missed.’

Elsewhere, Shirley described Giovanni as a ‘hard worker’ who always tries his best.

She told Best magazine: ‘I think everybody in the Strictly cast is fantastic and I’ve known Giovanni a long, long time. I’ve known him probably longer than a lot of people have known him and I can only talk from personal experience. 

‘He’s got a work ethic that is the same as mine. He works hard and he wants the best for anybody who wants to learn. He’s a true gentleman and, of course, he always looks drop-dead gorgeous.’ 

Shirley noted that Giovanni is an incredibly considerate person in general who goes out of his way to make someone feel ‘super-special’. 

She added: ‘He always puts his best foot forward and is always on time, he’s one of those very thoughtful people. He called me the other day to invite my mum to a show he was doing because they love each other. As popular as he is, he will always try and make his way to any fan who wants to see him and will always make them feel super-special.’

Despite the furore, head judge Shirley has stood by the under-fire pro and will join him in hosting a number of dance classes in London next month.

Named Ballando, the one day event is led by Shirley, Giovanni and Anton Du Beke as they share their expertise with fans. 

Giovanni’s absence from the Strictly line-up was revealed when the BBC shared the names of the professionals appearing this year.

This season will see the return of Amy Dowden , who was treated for breast cancer last year, alongside Dianne Buswell , Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk.

Joining them on the dancefloor are Jowita Przystal , Johannes Radebe , Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.

The BBC also confirmed the return of judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke. 

Executive producer Sarah James said in a statement: ‘This year Strictly marks two decades of entertaining the nation and we will be back with a bang in September as we celebrate in style with our incredible team both on and off screen.’

It comes after the Daily Mail revealed BBC bosses are ‘furious’ that leaks of confidential details of the probe have been made public.

Yesterday it was reported that claims Pernice would ‘grab his crotch’ when one of his partners did well have been heard by investigators.

The Sun newspaper also told how Ms Abbington said her foot was bruised after Pernice stood on it.

BBC bosses are said to be ‘concerned’ and are wanting to find out how this information is being released.

They are also worried that the leaks mean that Pernice, who quit Strictly in April after nine years, is being vilified by the public.

One insider at the corporation told the Mail: ‘We are talking about a confidential, internal inquiry here yet there are several elements finding their way into the public domain now.

‘While it isn’t an HR issue, it is an investigation which the BBC are taking seriously.

‘The bosses want to know why this is happening. They want to find the leak. If you are Giovanni here you might be thinking that this is highly unfair.

‘It also seems quite rum that it is all anti-Giovanni. There is nothing coming out in his favour at all. It’s all very strange.’

The inquiry began last month and the outcome is expected within a few weeks.

It all began when Ms Abbington revealed to The Sun in January that she had got post-traumatic stress disorder after appearing on Strictly last year when she was paired with Pernice.

She also asked for video footage of her rehearsals with the Sicilian dancer.

After he was offered a contract to return to the series, which starts in September, Ms Abbington instructed London-based legal firm Carter-Ruck to represent her along with two other female stars who have appeared on Strictly. 

Ms Abbington reportedly met up with Laura Whitmore and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh – also former partners of Pernice – to discuss his so-called bad behaviour.

Pernice, 33, responded by hiring rival firm Schillings, which has represented royals such Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as J. K. Rowling and Ryan Giggs.

He has vowed not to be cancelled and is fully co-operating with the investigation. In the last fortnight he has begun to engage with the BBC. He expects to be exonerated. 

In a statement, the dancer said: ‘Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his reputation against all false and misleading accusations against him.’

On Instagram yesterday Pernice, who is currently on tour across the country with Strictly star Anton Du Beke, branded allegations about his teaching methods ‘simply false’.

He wrote: ‘Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media.

‘As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.

‘I am co-operating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.

‘As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.’

As the investigation into Giovanni ‘s alleged inappropriate behaviour continues the BBC have reportedly brought in two ex Met officers to conduct the interviews.

And it is understood they have already interviewed at least one female complainant, The Sun has revealed.

The other two are due to be seen in the coming days as the organisation continue to reportedly scour nine years of footage from Giovanni’s training sessions.

A source told the publication: ‘The BBC is taking this extremely seriously.

‘Two ex-Met cops are conducting all the interviews and have been tasked with gathering evidence — including texts and screenshots — which they will present to corporation executives.

‘Giovanni has not yet been spoken to.’

MailOnline have contacted Giovanni’s representatives. The BBC chose not to comment when approached for a statement.

Giovanni returned to social media for the first time on Thursday after the BBC confirmed he would not be returning to the show.

The dancer shared a video to the Ballando Instagram account in which he could be seen taking charge in leading a series of group dance sessions.

Keeping his words to a minimum, he simply added three love heart emojis to the post – proving that he still has a passion for dance.

The dancer is set to return to the stage for his show – The Anton and Giovanni Together live tour – on Friday alongside Strictly judge Anton Du Beke. 

The BBC’s announcement of which dancers would be competing in this year’s show is a routine procedure by show bosses and does not mark the end of the probe into Giovanni’s behaviour. 

A show insider said: ‘Giovanni’s case is very much ongoing. The announcement is circulated when Strictly have finalised the contracts of the pros who are able to compete. 

‘Giovanni’s absence has been known for some weeks, he won’t have anything to do with the 2024 season. 

‘But the investigation into his alleged wrongdoings will continue to develop alongside preparation for the upcoming series.’