Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has been vocal in her support of Giovanni Pernice since the BBC launched an investigation into him.
Shirley Ballas has been issued a warning by BBC bosses over Giovanni Pernice.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 63, has been vocal in her support of Giovanni since the BBC launched an investigation into his alleged behaviour on the show.
Three of Giovanni’s former partners, including Amanda Abbington, hired lawyers to pursue claims against him.
Amanda, 50, abruptly quit half-way through the 2023 series of Strictly and was later diagnosed with mild PTSD.
The Sherlock actress accused Giovanni, 33, of bullying and demanded footage of their rehearsals. Despite the claims, which Giovanni has repeatedly denied, Shirley has always backed the professional dancer.
A source has now revealed that BBC bosses have warned Shirley to “rein in” when speaking about Giovanni.
“Shirley has been told she needs to rein it in and not talk about Giovanni in the context of the case,” the source told The Mirror. “It’s such a complex thing that we can’t have people associated with the show speaking out about it.”
Whilst promoting her new book ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ at Chorleywood Memorial Hall in Hertfordshire, Shirley threw her support behind her former co-star.
She 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.”
Shirley added: “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 percent.
“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.”
Referencing Giovanni being axed from Strictly, Shirley concluded: “He will be missed.” The BBC’s probe into allegations about Giovanni’s behaviour has reportedly turned into “a big headache” for the corporation’s chiefs.
Shirley Ballas has continued to show her unwavering support for Giovanni Pernice amidst the ongoing investigation by the BBC. Despite warnings from BBC bosses to refrain from public comments about the case, Shirley has remained vocal in her defense of the professional dancer.
In a recent appearance at the Chorleywood Memorial Hall, Shirley reiterated her belief in Giovanni’s work ethic and dedication to his craft. She addressed the allegations against him, stating, “I don’t condone bullying in any form, but I also don’t believe everything I read in the newspapers. Let the investigation run its course and the truth will come to light.”
Shirley emphasized the importance of not rushing to judgment and waiting for all the facts to be revealed before forming an opinion. She expressed her confidence in Giovanni’s character, noting that she has never personally experienced any negative behavior from him.
Despite the controversy surrounding Giovanni and his departure from Strictly Come Dancing, Shirley expressed her sadness at his absence from the show. She acknowledged the impact that the situation has had on the BBC, describing it as a “big headache” for the network.
As the investigation continues, Shirley remains a steadfast supporter of Giovanni and looks forward to the truth being revealed. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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