Strictly judge breaks ranks to back Giovanni Pernice in row over show ‘abuse’ claims and legal complaints
A STRICTLY Come Dancing judge has shown his support for Giovanni Pernice after seemingly ‘breaking ranks’.
Since three of Giovanni’s former celeb partners filed official complaints around his conduct in the dance studio, a cloak of silence has fallen over the pro cast of the long-running BBC series.
However, dancer-turned judge Anton Du Beke has clearly got his friend’s back, with a live tour of them performing together beginning in just three weeks’ time.
‘Anton and Giovanni: Together – The Live Tour’ kicks off on June 14 at the Beck Theatre in Hayes, West London, with the pair dancing around the UK for the following two months.
The pair will end the run on July 21 at Salford’s The Lowry.
Keeping in line a vow Giovanni made after being partnered with deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021, the Italian star has ensured some of the performance will have BSL interpreters.
Away from Strictly, Giovanni and Anton have built up a reputation as a duo, even landing a travel show together, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily, which aired on the BBC earlier this year.
In the travel show, Giovanni took Anton to his hometown of Sicily tto show him the sights and local communities.
The tour comes as the BBC probe into complaints made against Giovanni about his behaviour and treatment of celeb partners
Three names have come forward, with Amanda Abbington and Laura Whitmore believed to be two of the stars speaking out against him.
Giovanni has since quit the series in light of the allegations made against him, but has vowed to clear his name.
Korina Travis, a professional dancer who has worked with Giovanni in the past, has also spoken out against him.
She said of Giovanni: “I’ve known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me.
“I will not speak about my experiences with him but I’m glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is.
“I’ll leave it at that.”
But Giovanni has insisted he has done nothing wrong, thanking fans for their support in his one and only official statement.
The message, which was posted on Instagram, read: “To my dear fans,
“You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
“Of course, 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,” he added.
“No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
“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.”
He signed off: “Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
Giovanni's Strictly Partnerships and Rankings
Giovanni has created some memorable moments on the show - landing in the finale four times and winning once. Here are all his partners and how well they performed in the competition
2015 – Georgia May Foote: placed 2nd
2016 – Laura Whitmore: placed 9th
2017 – Debbie McGee: placed 2nd
2018 – Faye Tozer: played 2nd
2019 – Michelle Visage: placed 7th
2020 – Ranvir Singh: placing 5th
2021 – Rose Ayling-Ellis: winning series
2022 – Richie Anderson: placing 14th
2023 – Amanda Abbington: withdrew due to injury