Head Strictly judge Shirley Ballas continues to share her support of Giovanni Pernice as the BBC investigation continues.
The Italian dancer, who joined the Strictly family in 2015, has been accused of “threatening and abusive” behaviour. Giovanni has continued to deny these accusations.
It has been announced that Giovanni will not be returning to Strictly this year, despite being a fan favourite. Now, Shirley has insisted she ‘stays in her lane’ when it comes to speaking out.
Shirley Ballas and Giovanni Pernice
Speaking to The Sun, Shirley said: “I’ve known Giovanni for 10 years, and he’s a good friend of mine. But I’m not involved on any side of that [the investigation]. I think before I speak, and I stay in my lane, which is ballroom dancing.
“I think everybody goes into Strictly with the best will in the world to entertain the country.”
She added of her own training methods: “I can be super-strict when somebody is trying to win the gold medal, then I can still be quite strict but in a positive way on Strictly so they will learn something. That’s always ongoing for me. I’m always searching for the best way I can bring great constructive criticism.”
Shirley also said she has “no idea” if Giovanni could return to Strictly in the future. She said she doesn’t get involved in the investigation process but hopes “things will get resolved and sorted”.
Amanda Abbington on Strictly
In the middle of the competition last year, Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington quit the show due to “personal reasons” after dancing with Giovanni.
After the show, she reportedly was “diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons” and said that Giovanni was “nasty” and “awful”.
Since the allegations, three more of Giovanni’s celeb partners have allegedly come forward.
As the investigation continues, The Sun claimed that an anonymous account on an industry forum asked those who have worked with Giovanni to step forward. They have insisted it is “crucial in supporting Amanda’s case”.
“It is important to hear as many accounts as possible from others who were treated inappropriately, had grievances, or potentially identify others that were,” they wrote.
“This is crucial in supporting Amanda’s case, as well as potentially anyone else’s. It is also ultimately to support all freelancers and the industry as a whole by standing up to such practices.”
The person claimed that anyone who comes forward “would be protected”.
While some outlets have reported that the anonymous account is a friend of Amanda’s, a representative for the star told The Mirror the person is doing it “without our knowledge”.
ED! has contacted Amanda’s representatives for a comment.
Shirley Ballas will ‘forever’ support Giovanni Pernice
While reports suggest that BBC bosses have banned the cast from discussing the situation, that hasn’t stopped anyone from supporting Giovanni.
Shirley and fellow judge Anton Du Beke recently supported Giovanni at his Ballando dance workshop.
As reported by MailOnline, Shirley said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be in attendance.
“I’ve known him for 10 years and we’re good friends,” she explained. “I will be one person who will be by his side forever. What you see is what you get with him.”
This isn’t the first time Shirley has spoken in Giovanni’s favour. Last month, she told the Mirror that “the truth will come out” eventually.
“I won’t pass on the gossip unless I know 100 percent 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,” Shirley continued.
Read more: Shirley Ballas addresses Strictly boycott amid Giovanni Pernice exit with blunt four-word statement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze9RXBUa-3s
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