STRICTLY Judge Shirley Ballas has struck a killer pose, by showing her support for under-fire professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice.
The Italian is currently under investigation by the BBC, over claims of misconduct after complaints were filed by actress Amanda Abbington with whom he was partnered last year and others, including presenter Laura Whitmore.
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But now, in what can only be described as an act of defiance, Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley is joining Giovanni for a series of exclusive dance workshops in London, in a bold move that could potentially put her own career at risk.
Dubbed, Ballando, the one day event offers a series of professional classes led by the experts, Shirley, Giovanni as well as judge Anton Du Beke, with whom Giovanni will soon head out on tour.
Judge Shirley is the latest Strictly name to show their support for Gio, after professional Kai Widdrington posted photos of him in rehearsal with Gio for an upcoming event they performing together in July.
Kai’s girlfriend and fellow pro Nadiya Bychohova, 34, was also seen being friendly towards the embattled star.
This comes after Amanda Abbington branded him “nasty” and accused him of “toxic” behaviour towards his celebrity partners.
The BBC has launched an internal investigation after receiving complaints from his previous dance partners, including TV presenter Laura Whitmore and actress Amanda Abbington, who are being represented by lawyers.
Giovanni has denied any wrongdoing and has quit the show in response to the accusations.
Other friends have stepped forward to support Giovanni after he was accused of abusive and threatening behaviour.
Indeed Former Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff, who’d worked alongside Giovanni in the past has also come to his defence.
In an interview with Closer, she said: “I’m quite frankly stunned by the whole scandal. It’s definitely not like the Gio that I know.
“Gio’s a really nice, friendly guy. I’ve danced with him and known him for around seven years. He’s never been a nightmare in any of our group rehearsals, just a hard-working professional.
Indeed Anton Du Beke is soon to embark on the duo’s sold out tour of the UK and the Strictly judge was said to have no intention of bailing out on his friend and colleague.
In January 2024, it emerged that Amanda allegedly told pals that her tense relationship with Giovanni during her time on Strictly had left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
She left the show citing personal reasons for her shock exit, but has since spoken out against Giovanni.
The Sun revealed that the Sherlock actress had demanded footage of her rehearsals with partner Giovanni and was seeking legal advice.
A pal said: “Amanda has been left broken and saddened by the whole experience.
“She has needed therapy and was left in shock by the behaviour she was exposed to.”
In 2020, his former dance partner, GMB’s Ranvir Singh, complained to bosses about the star as well, while former Steps singer Faye Tozer is understood to have clashed with him.
Giovanni’s 2016 partner Laura Whitmore also previously claimed that her time with him reduced her to tears.
In March 2024, The Sun revealed that Amanda, Laura and Ranvir had met up to discuss the experiences with Giovanni.
The Sun also revealed how at least two of Gio’s dance partners accused him of “brutal” training methods that left them “black and blue”.
They claim to have photographic evidence of their injuries, which allegedly go beyond the “occupational hazards” of dancing, which Gio’s friends have cited.
As part of the investigation, the Strictly team will review footage from the rehearsal room to recognise any issues the celebs may have had.
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