Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas said she ‘stays in her lane’ and insists she has ‘never been witness to anything negative backstage’.
A BBC investigation was sparked by claims from Sherlock star Amanda Abbington that professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice had been “abusive and cruel”. It upheld six of her 16 claims, mainly relating to the former pro’s swearing. The report found his language could be ‘belittling’ and agreed with her that he sometimes appeared to give her overly negative feedback.
After the results were published, Shirley said it is vital celebs’ concerns are listened to and added that “everybody can move on” now that the investigation is over. Head judge Shirley appeared on This Morning on Wednesday and told the hosts that she ‘stays in her lane’ by focusing on dancing.
She said: “I stay in my lane, I’m there to adjudicate the technique. I was not witness to anything backstage that was negative. My experience at Strictly has been absolutely fantastic. The duty of care off the chart. I don’t condone bullying in any shape or form but they’ve done their due diligence now, we keep moving forward and let’s see who makes the final.”
(
Image:
Getty Images for The National Lottery)
(
Image:
PA)
Head judge Shirley – who has known Giovanni for a decade – was asked about the BBC findings during a book talk earlier this month. In an apparent show of sympathy for Amanda, she says: “I don’t condone bullying – I’ve been through it myself. So if things aren’t right or need addressing, I feel for the person that wants them addressed. And I think that’s a big, important part – that everybody gets to say their thing. But now the investigation is over and everybody can move on.”
The BBC had apologised to Amanda, 50. Complaints of bullying and harassment were upheld by the report, but claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not. Amanda called it a “vindication of [my] complaint”, while Italian dancer Giovanni, 34, said he was “happy” the more serious allegations had been thrown out.
Meanwhile, Giovanni will be going on his 2025 dance tour Together Again with his “best friend” Anton Du Beke, who is one of the judges on Strictly. The announcement came after Giovanni left Strictly and joined the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, where he is paired with actress Bianca Guaccero.
Taking to Instagram to announce the news, he said: “BREAKING NEWS! If you were wondering now is confirmed !!the double act is back on the road ! Me and my best friend @mrantondubeke are back on tour next summer ! www.antonandgiovanni.com See you all there.”
News
Big Brother SPOILER: Nathan SLAMS housemates Sarah and Daze as ‘NOT GENUINE’ as TENSIONS simmer in house
Big Brother’s Nathan King has revealed he isn’t warming to housemates Sarah Griffiths and Daze Aghaji, saying they are ‘not genuine’. In scenes set to air on Thursday’s episode of the ITV2 show, Nathan, 24, admits he isn’t warming to either of the…
Tommy Fury STUNS Cat Deeley with his HUGE swollen fist following his recovery from hand surgery as he REVEALS his FUTURE in boxing
Tommy Fury left Cat Deeley stunned after revealing the size of his fist on This Morning on Thursday. The boxer, 25, joined Cat and her co-host Ben Shephard on the sofa to discuss the release of his new memoir Lighting Can Strike Twice: My Life…
Loose Women icon REUNITES with co-star after 17 years amid HEARTBREAKING confession
Presenter Adrian Chiles joined Loose Women panellist Christine Lampard on Wednesday 9 October, reuniting 17 years after they co-hosted The One Show on BBC One. Adrian was there to discuss his new book, The Curious Columns of Adrian Chiles, a compilation of…
Exclusive: Nick Knowles has ‘NO ALTERNATIVE’ as BBC update on star’s Strictly FUTURE and new blow emerges Day
A decision on whether injured Nick Knowles will be fit enough to take part in Strictly Come Dancing will be delayed until tomorrow to give him the best chance of staying in the competition. But insiders say that the problem lies with the very…
Denise Welch REVEALS her CRAZY self-medication in ‘WORST EPISODE OF SEVERE DEPRESSION’ – and recalls ‘SHAKING and CRYING’ moments after TV appearance on World Mental Health
Denise Welch has shared a heartfelt post marking World Mental Health Day as she opened up on her own battle with depression and anxiety on Thursday. The Loose Women host, 66, posted a clip of herself from 1999 singing Petula Clark’s Downtown on Celebrity Stars in…
The HUM!LIATING detail of Meghan’s red carpet appearance that shows just how MUCH she and Harry have LOST
One of the most awkward and revealing episodes since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit royal duties in 2020 to ‘find freedom’ – and a fortune – came on a red carpet in Los Angeles almost a year ago….
End of content
No more pages to load