Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke support Giovanni Pernice at dance workshop

In a recent development, Strictly Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas has come forward to defend professional dancer Giovanni Pernice amidst allegations of 'threatening and abusive' behavior towards his celebrity dance partners. Shirley, 57, expressed her unwavering support for Giovanni during a Jive workshop, praising him for his professionalism and kindness. Despite facing backlash and trolling herself, Shirley stood by Giovanni, who recently left the show amid the controversy. The accusations against Giovanni stem from claims made by his former Strictly partner Amanda Abbington and two other women, alleging misconduct and bullying. However, Amanda clarified that it was her request to have their dance practices recorded, not Giovanni's. The ongoing BBC probe into Giovanni's conduct has raised concerns, with both parties providing evidence to refute the allegations. Giovanni's spokesperson emphasized his commitment to cooperating with the investigation and reiterated his dedication to his dance partners. Shirley's support for Giovanni was evident during her appearance on Loose Women, where she praised the resilience and strength of professional dancer Amy Dowden, who recently received a clean bill of health after battling cancer. Shirley commended Amy's character and expressed her joy at having her back on the show. Additionally, Shirley highlighted the competitive nature of Strictly Come Dancing and the challenges faced by participants, emphasizing the show's enduring popularity and impact. As the controversy surrounding Giovanni continues to unfold, legal actions have been taken by both parties, with Giovanni enlisting the services of law firm Schillings to counter the allegations. Despite the scrutiny, Shirley remains optimistic about the future of the show and the resilience of its participants. With the 20th anniversary of Strictly approaching, Shirley's unwavering support for her colleagues and dedication to the dance community reflect her commitment to the art form and the values of camaraderie and professionalism within the industry.