STRICTLY Come Dancing judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse have backed Giovanni amid his complaints scandal by teaming up with him on a new project.
The pair – who complete the judges panel alongside Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – are due to appear with the dancer at a new event in September.
Both Motsi and Craig have agreed to help lead a dance class at Giovanni’s dancing school, Ballando, teaching a workshop alongside the performer.
They will be joined by Giovanni for the event which takes place on September 29.
It comes after Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke taught a class with the school last week, beaming alongside Giovanni in branded hoodies with the company’s logo.
Fans were delighted to see Motsi and Craig officially give their support to Giovanni, after the BBC investigation into Gio’s behaviour has resulted in a cloak of silence over the cast regarding it.
“This is fabulous to see the other two judges supporting Gio,” one fan wrote, while another added: “Brilliant news. Fabulous to see their support. I think Craig should teach the Charleston…!”
“I love all the support Gio is getting,” said a third alongside clapping emojis, while a fourth said: “So happy Giovanni is getting the support from all the Judges.”
Giovanni unceremoniously left the BBC series earlier this year, after three of his nine former dance partners clubbed together to all launch official complaints against him over his “militant” and “bullying” behaviour in the rehearsal room.
It’s since been claimed the effort was spearheaded by Amanda Abbington, with whom Giovanni was partnered with for the 2023 season.
The pair bowed out of the show early, citing Amanda having “medical reasons” to no longer participate.
However, since then Amanda has been open about her negative experience on the show, particularly with Giovanni in the rehearsal room.
She has since had to call in police after going public with her claims after receiving death threats from the Sicilian dancer’s supporters.
An investigation has been launched into the complaints, with Giovanni hiring top legal firm Schillings in a bid to clear his name.
It’s reported five people have been spoken to by the former MET police officers hired to conduct the investigation, which is expected to continue well into 2025.
Shirley and Anton have both been vocal backers of Giovanni as the situation unfolds, with Anton going on tour with the star across the UK while Shirley has actively spoken about her experience of knowing him.
“You know, I can only talk from my own perspective. I have known Giovanni for ten years. He has always been to me — and I will make that clear, to me — a perfect gentleman,” she told The Sun at the TRIC Awards last month.
“I know he is a hard worker. He wants people to do the very best that they can do,” she continued.
“Obviously, in my life, I was bullied a lot. I don’t condone bullying on any path, but I don’t believe gossip because things are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball.
“So my feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation and the truth will come out. So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely, 100 percent.”
A Strictly spokesman previously said of the investigation: “If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
“This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.”
They added: “Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned.”
The show is now preparing for its 20th anniversary, with the new series launching this autumn on the BBC.
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”.
