STRICTLY dance professional Lauren Oakley shows off her stunning bikini body on a sun-drenched poolside holiday with her husband Max.
Stripped down to her animal print swimwear, the 33-year-old’s enviable washboard stomach and toned limbs, honed by years of dancing, is undeniable.
In a series of shots where she’s strikes poses by the pool’s edge, the TV star captioned the photo, “All my favourite colours.”
But while Lauren soaks up her time in the sun, storm clouds are gathering for her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice, who is currently under investigation by the BBC amid allegations of bullying.
Lauren who has starred on Strictly since 2022, previously danced with Giovanni when she played the leading lady in his Him and Me UK tour with the show’s judge Anton Du Beke.
She was also chosen to star alongside Giovanni on his solo Let Me Entertain You tour earlier this year.
As Lauren celebrated her birthday during the dance experience, Giovanni shared a photo of their pair embracing, paying tribute to his “incredibly talented” co star.
But Birmingham-born Lauren is yet to comment on the scandal engulging the show.
Italian dancer, Giovanni has now left Strictly after three of his dance partners made complaints about his teaching style.
Celebrities including actress Amanda Abbington and TV presenter Laura Whitmore have claimed that they were left “traumatised” by the experience of dancing with the Italian professional.
Indeed Amanda who was on last years series, abruptly quit the show, first citing medical reasons and later confessing to suffering from mild PTSD after working with Giovanni.
Following the news last week that the Italian had finally be axed, there has been a defeaning silence among the strictly fraternity.
Fellow Italian professional Vito Coppola unfollowed him on Instagram and last year’s winner, the former Corrie star, Ellie Leach also followed suit.
In a statement on social media, Gio addressed the claims and wrote: “To my dear fans, 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.
“No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me,” he continued. “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. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
HE was once the golden boy of the ballroom, so just how did the Giovanni riddle, unravel?
SEPTEMBER 2023: Paired with actress Amanda Abbington, who threatens to quit in early weeks following rows.
OCTOBER 2023: She pulls out of live show for “medical reasons” and then quits altogether.
JANUARY 6, 2024: Amanda demands the BBC hands over rehearsals footage after seeking legal advice following claims she was left with PTSD.
JANUARY 7: The BBC refuses to launch probe into Giovanni
JANUARY 9: The Sun reveals the BBC is standing by Gio.
JANUARY 13: Amanda reveals she has received death threats over the row.
MARCH 16: Amanda, Ranvir and Laura meet to compare notes on how Gio treated them.
MARCH 23: BBC in a bind as bosses are “undecided” on if Gio should get a celeb partner.
MARCH 31: Giovanni to hold a crunch meeting with BBC as it is revealed he clashed with a fourth partner, Faye Tozer.
MAY 16: The Sun reveals Giovanni has QUIT the show.
MAY 17: BBC launches and internal investigation into the conduct of the star.
MAY 20: ‘One or two’ more celebs are said to be considering action
