Shirley Ballas has thrown her support behind Giovanni Pernice as the BBC launch an investigation into his behaviour while appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.The 33-year-old Italian professional dancer joined the BBC One dance competition in 2015 and quickly became a firm fan-favourite.
Despite Pernice strongly denying all allegations against him, describing them as “simply false”, it was confirmed last month that he will not return for the show’s 22nd series later this year.
The BBC has also announced a new duty of care package will be rolled out to safeguard both celebrities and their dance partners.
Speaking at an event to promote her new fiction book, Ballas - who has served as head judge on Strictly since 2017 - said Pernice has her backing and will be “missed” on Strictly. She also urged people not to listen to “gossip”.
Ballas said: “I know he is a hard worker. He wants the people to do the very best that they can do.
“Obviously in my life I was bullied a lot. I don't condone bullying on any path but also I don't believe gossip and what you read in the newspapers because things get escalated and they are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball.
“So 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,” she told the Mirror.
Ballas stated that she had known Pernice for 10 years, had many fond memories involving him and that he is set to attend a party she is throwing this weekend.
“He has always been to me, and I will make that clear, to me... a perfect gentleman,” she added to the publication.
For his part, Pernice has said he is "cooperating fully" with the ongoing BBC investigation and is looking forward to "clearing my name".
One of his former dance partners on Strictly, Debbie McGee, has said she is “heartbroken” for him that he has been left out of the line-up for the new series.
