IT’S often not until you’re down on your luck that you realise who your real friends are.
Under fire Giovanni Pernice‘s been buoyed over the course of his seven month (and counting) Strictly scandal by the public backing of two show heavyweights.
Head judge Shirley Ballas put her head above the parapet back in January with a show of support for Giovanni during an interview with Lorraine Kelly.
Usually, a headline generating television scandal makes famous faces shy away lest any semblance of opinion result in negative consequences for their own career.
Phillip Schofield found this out the hard way when he was cut-off by his closest and longest-serving television ally amid his This morning scandal.
But Shirley wasn’t afraid to address Amanda Abbington‘s claims against Giovanni, notably that his intense training methods led to her being diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder and forced her off the show.
Though Lorraine is certainly no Paxman when it comes to grilling guests on uncomfortable topics, she did ask the question everyone wanted to know: what were her thoughts on the Giovanni row.
Shirley told her: “I’ve known Giovanni for many, many years and he’s an absolutely splendid teacher. My only experience of him is that of an absolute gentleman. He serves the show well and he gives 100 percent.”
Tellingly, she then suggested Amanda underestimated the intensity of the programme.
“They’re tough shows,” she added. “When you sign up for a show like that you kind of know what you’re getting in for, it’s been on screen for 20-odd years.”
Shirley has seen more in the industry than anyone involved with Strictly having earned the nickname Queen of Latin and winning three world titles over a wildly successful five decade career.
Last year she spoke out about bullying in the dance world and told BBC 5 Live: “You’re treading fine lines in this industry all the time.”
She’s also cast a fine eye over routines at Elstree Studios for seven years ever since replacing the late Len Goodman on the panel.
There’s never been a hint from her of any wrongdoing behind the scenes from Giovanni, though at least another two of his former partners, one of which being Laura Whitmore, have instructed lawyers over alleged issues dating back to their time working with him.
Indeed Shirley had first hand dancing experience with him in 2022 when the pair performed a Samba on the iconic Blackpool Ballroom dancefloor.
She said at the time: “Thank you @pernicegiovann1 for samba-ing with me. I loooved it.”
Of course, history has told us no one person is bigger than any TV show; they’re profitable vehicles that keep rolling on regardless of personnel as long as viewers are still tuning in.
Though Giovanni has bid Strictly a farewell after nine years on the programme, he still has a bright future ahead of him, at least for now.
And the backing of an entertainment heavyweight like Shirley is sure to carry some weight when execs weigh up whether or not to take a chance on him.
Likewise with the support of Anton du Beke, the show stalwart who transitioned from the ballroom to the judging desk.
Built in the same mould as Len, Anton is a charming, highly-loved member of the team who is particularly popular with the housewife demographic.
If a man as amiable as Anton vouches for you, you can’t be all bad – at least that’s what his good character implies.
That Gio refers to Anton as a “godfather” figure imbues a sense of a stronger, more familial tie.
The duo recently appeared on the BBC in the second series of their bromance travel show titled Adventures in Spain.
My only experience of him is that of an absolute gentleman. He serves the show well and he gives 100 percent.
Shirley Ballas
The promo tour coincided with the ongoing Strictly row, and thus there was plenty of opportunity for Anton to give his pal the cold should if he suspected any wrongdoing.
This didn’t happen, instead he gushed about their 10-year friendship and stated they were even “cut from the same cloth”.
He told Radio Times: “I think the joy of this is that we’ve known each other for 10 years.”
Giovanni said: “At the end of the day… we get to go on holidays, paid holidays, and get paid to do that so it’s a very, very beautiful thing to do,
“And it’s beautiful, because you get to spend and choose the person you go on holidays with. And you know, as you said, he’s my best friend. So I wouldn’t do it with anybody else.”
Anton echoed this, saying: “But it is just us genuinely having a great time, spending time together, enjoying what we did. We are cut from the same cloth… [it’s] lovely.”
It’s all a far cry from the wider Strictly family’s lack of response to Giovanni’s recent statement refuting any claims of wrongdoing.
Only makeup artist Lisa Armstrong liked the post – though some fans have suggested the silence is likely contractual given an official investigation is underway.
Nevertheless, Anton and Shirley’s support is firmly on the record and while he has the backing of the respected Beeb heavyweights he’ll have showbiz opportunities.
However, if wrongdoing is exposed and they’re forced into an embarrassing U-turn, it’s unlikely there will be many willing to give a second chance.
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
