STRICTLY Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas has come under fire from fans after not speaking out in defence of Giovanni Pernice.
It was confirmed yesterday that fan favourite Giovanni would not be returning to the series, as an investigation into his treatment of celebrities in the rehearsal room continues.
As the BBC kickstarted their official investigation after three official complaints made by former partners, Giovanni was removed from the line-up of the BBC dance series.
Yesterday, his absence for Strictly’s upcoming 20th anniversary of the show was confirmed with the announcement of the show line-up.
Shirley, who will be back on the judges table alongside Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, posted on her Instagram account, sharing highlights from her time on the show so far.
“Feeling very grateful to be returning for my 8th series as Head Judge on @bbcstrictly 
,” she wrote.
“I cannot wait to be back behind the desk with my fellow judges @motsimabuse, @craigrevel and @mrantondubeke … 8 series later and I still get all excited when Strictly season comes around.”
“I’m blessed each year when I’m asked back. It’s a real honour to be part of a show that brings joy to so many families across those dark nights,” Shirley concluded.
“Are you all looking forward to the new series ? Who would you like to see put on their dancing shoes ? Ahhh it’ll sure be very exciting and full of surprises as we celebrate 20 years of the best show on TV. Hold onto your hats!”
But instead of celebrating the show’s return, some fans took to her comments to ask why she has not supported Giovanni.
“Not one of you defended gio,” complained one fan, while a second wrote, “Congrats, but shame Giovanni not returning. Won’t be watching.”
“I WILL NOT BE WATCHING IT NO MATTER WHO IS ON. LIKE ARLENE PHILLIPS, GIOVANNI HAS BEEN MADE AN UNNECESSARY SCAPEGOAT,” said a third.
“No Gio is a huge loss for the show,” noted a fourth, while a fifth said,
“Shows gone down in my estimation no support for Giovanni what happened to innocent until proven guilty no public support from the pros very sad.”
What’s happened so far
The fierce defenders standing by Giovanni has come after a fourth star has come forward claiming they needed “months of therapy” after working with him.
Giovanni has also reportedly blocked the release of footage from his rehearsals with Amanda Abbington, whom he was partnered with last year and is believed to be the spearhead for the complaints campaign.
She later came forward in an interview to brand Giovanni ‘nasty’ as she spoke about her experience.
The complaints stemmed from accusations that Giovanni pushed things too far in the rehearsal room to the point Amanda quit last October and was diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder.
Among the claims, sources said Amanda was unhappy with Giovanni’s ‘incredibly brusque’ and ‘militant’ training style.
Giovanni has maintained he’s done nothing wrong, and said in his only statement on the matter: “To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name..
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.”
“No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me,” he continued. “I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024:Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
