Strictly judge backs 'gentleman' Giovanni Pernice amid Amanda Abbington 'feud'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has addressed the reported feud between pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and his latest show partner Amanda Abbington.
The Head Judge on the BBC series threw support behind Giovanni, calling him a "gentlemen" and a "splendid teacher" as she was quizzed about an apparent falling out between the pairing. Amid reports actress Amanda was left "broken and saddened" by her time on the show, Shirley had her say on the reports.
Sherlock star Amanda left the BBC dance competition in week five due to "medical reasons" in October 2023. In recent weeks it was reported that she sought professional help due to the "behaviour she was exposed to" while part of the series.
The actress reportedly sought legal advice to obtain backstage footage of their rehearsals after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following her exit from the show. Giovanni recently took to social media to thank fans and loved ones for their support amid a new venture away from the BBC show.
It's thought the BBC are supporting Giovanni after the claims, with the allegations deemed "excessive". The BBC did respond to claims regarding Amanda and the request for footage, remarking that duty of care is taken "incredibly seriously".
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Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas praised Giovanni Pernice as a 'splendid teacher' (ITV)Now, Strictly judge and Giovanni's co-star Shirley has addressed the matter, and she threw support behind the pro dancer. Speaking on Lorraine on Monday, host Lorraine said: "We had all this stuff about Giovanni and clearly, there were some problems with his partner last year.
"Of course it's very well documented, there's been an investigation. It's fine, but the pros do want to win don't they, and they want to get the best out of their partner?" Shirley replied: "I have known Giovanni for many, many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher.
"My only ever experience with him is that of an absolute gentleman. He serves the show well and gives 100 percent, but you know..." Lorraine added: "Sometimes partnerships just don't work, we see that everywhere, on TV, everywhere."
Shirley then interjected: "But you know all these shows, Strictly, they're tough shows. So when you sign up for a show like that you kinda know what you are getting into, it's been on the screen for 20 odd years, it's quite difficult to do the show."
Shirley Ballas addressed the reported feud between pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and his latest show partner Amanda Abbington (BBC)A source recently told The Mirror on the story: "The feeling is he is a tough taskmaster, but hasn't bullied or abused anyone. The BBC see him as a key face of Strictly and will do all they can to support him."
The reports emerged earlier this month. A source close to the actress told The Sun: "There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense." They added that Giovanni could be "incredibly full-on" as he is a "perfectionist".
Strictly bosses say they never received any formal complaint about Giovanni 's training methods and are baffled by Amanda's claim. Sources on the show accept that while Giovanni is a perfectionist and there are occasional “moans” about his regime, the professional's conduct has never crossed the line to warrant any investigation. None of his previous dance partners had made any formal complaint, the source added. And after speaking to him in the wake of the PTSD claims, a BBC source added the allegations were "excessive".
Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV1 and ITVX. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .
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