SHIRLEY Ballas has reportedly been ordered to rein in her support for Giovanni Pernice by ‘furious’ Strictly bosses.
Head judge Shirley, 63, repeatedly defied BBC orders by speaking out in support of Giovanni, 33, amid his complant row.
Show stars had been instructed to remain quiet on his exit amid the ongoing investigation into his training room behaviour following complaints from Amanda Abbington and three other former celebrity partners.
But the ballroom expert has been vocal with her opinions and hasn’t shown any signs of wavering.
A source has now told The Mirror: “Shirley has been told she needs to rein it in and not talk about Giovanni in the context of the case.
“It’s such a complex thing that we can’t have people associated with the show speaking out about it.”
The Sun has contacted Shirley’s reps and the BBC for comment.
Just a few weeks ago, Shirley was more than happy to discuss the controversy at the TRIC Awards in London.
When asked if she would miss him from this year’s line-up, she said: “I think that the show will be absolutely amazing, I can say that, and all the boys and girls that are coming back are fabulous, that’s what makes Strictly so special.”
She previously branded him a “perfect gentleman” and defended his teaching technique.
“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 said.
Shirley continued: “I know he is a hard worker. He wants people to do the very best that they can do. 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.”
Her latest comments come after The Sun revealed Amanda Abbington has called in police after being bombarded with death threats from trolls.
The actress, 50, has received dozens of horrific messages a day from fans of her ex-dance partner, who she has accused of bullying behaviour.
Last month, Giovanni released a statement vowing to clear his name after a male Strictly star became the fourth contestant to complain to the Beeb.
The dancer said: “As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.
“The latest accusations are simply false.
“I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.
“As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”
