Shirley Ballas has finally confirmed when Strictly Come Dancing’s celebrity line-up will be revealed.
The dance judge, 63, gave the thrilling news teasing it’s just days away –
after it was confirmed veteran Giovanni Pernice won’t return to the show amid the BBC’s investigation for workplace ‘misconduct’.
Shirley – who has defended the dancing pro on multiple occasions – said:
‘The celebrities will be announced, I believe, July. I think it’s coming up rather soon.’
As the 20th installment of the beloved dancing contest is approaching, Shirley told HELLO!:
‘It’s going to be absolutely off the chart. Just when you think the show can’t get any better, it does.’
The BBC launched an investigation after Giovanni, 33, was accused of ‘bullying behaviour’ while working with celebrity contestants on the dancing show, including Amanda Abbingdon, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore.
The show celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and executives are hoping the focus can be on that, rather than Pernice saga.
Since the accusations – which Giovanni strongly denies – the pro dancer has quit the show.
Giovanni’s former celebrity partner Amanda has claimed the show left her with PTSD and reportedly demanded footage of the pairs rehearsals together, presumably hoping the video footage could ‘back up’ her claims.
Three women, including actress Amanda, have also reportedly hired £700-an-hour lawyers at leading London law firm Carter Ruck.
The dancer 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.
Despite requesting the video footage, Amanda will reportedly not be given the tapes.
It appears it may be the BBC can’t give her the tapes because they feature a third person, Giovanni, not just her.
He is therefore entitled for private information or content about him not to be disclosed without his authorisation.
Sherlock actress Amanda, 51, previously rubbished reports Giovanni had asked the BBC to record his rehearsals with the actress over what he claimed were his growing concerns about her ‘behaviour’ – claiming she had requested their dance practices to be filmed, not him.
She told The Daily Mail: ‘I asked for them to be recorded, it was me.’
It comes after Amanda reportedly ‘called the police after receiving death threats from trolls’ as the bullying controversy continues.
According to reports, Amanda had already been bombarded by ‘unspeakable and incredibly threatening’ messages from troll fans of Giovanni.
Shirley defended the Italian dancer earlier in the year, calling him an ‘absolute gentleman’.
Speaking about the bombshell revelations, Shirley said on Lorraine: ‘I’ve known Giovanni for many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher.
‘My only ever experience with him is he is an absolute gentlemen. He gives 100%.
Shirley Ballas recently confirmed that the celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing will be revealed very soon. The anticipation is building as the 20th season of the popular dancing competition approaches. Shirley expressed her excitement for the upcoming season, promising that it will be truly spectacular.
The announcement comes after veteran dancer Giovanni Pernice decided not to return to the show amidst allegations of workplace misconduct. The BBC launched an investigation following claims of bullying behavior by Giovanni towards celebrity contestants such as Amanda Abbingdon, Ranvir Singh, and Laura Whitmore.
In light of the ongoing investigation, Giovanni has chosen to leave the show. His former partner Amanda has spoken out about the traumatic experience, revealing that she suffered from PTSD as a result. She has reportedly sought legal representation along with two other women to address the issue.
Meanwhile, Shirley Ballas has stood by Giovanni, describing him as a true professional and a gentleman. She has emphasized her positive experiences working with him and expressed her support for the embattled dancer.
As the new season of Strictly Come Dancing approaches, fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of celebrities and dazzling performances. Stay tuned for more updates on the show’s 20th anniversary celebration!
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