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.”

Shirley Ballas
Shirley says she ‘stays in her lane’ ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The National Lottery)

Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington
It comes after the BBC investigation findings were published ( 
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.”