STRICTLY Come Dancing host Tess Daly looked sensational as she jetted to Ibiza for a girlie holiday.
The BBC show anchor’s fun-filled trip to the White Isle came as the reality TV series is plunged into fresh chaos – with The Sun exclusively reporting a “cold war” style scenario.
It comes as judges have chosen to back professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, 33 – who is currently under investigation by the BBC – and who has now faced fresh legal claims by former show partner Amanda Abbington.
Yet despite the off-screen chaos Tess, 55, who fronts Strictly Come Dancing with Claudia Winkleman, 52, is letting her hair down.
Making the most of her summer break, she jetted to the holiday hotspot for a modelling session for her swim brand Naia Beach.
After heading to the Ibiza Fashion Festival, she stripped to a white two-piece and pulled on a crochet dress over the top as she showcased the brand’s new range at a swanky hotel.
Tess posed in the crisp white attire as she stood by the huge hotel pool and Ibiza harbour.
Yet after the brand campaign was done, Tess opted to take some much-needed me-time.
She pulled on a zig-zag striped dress and gold box handbag as she headed to iconic club Ushuaia to watch Calvin Harris’ DJ set.
She posed for a picture with the Summer hitmaker and his wife, BBC Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope as well as a close pal and Naia company co-founder Gayle.
After uploading a snap with Calvin she captured herself partying in the crowds before picturing the club venue hazed in a red light.
In her caption Tess – who is married to Vernon Kay, 50 – recalled a conversation with their daughter Phoebe, aged 19.
She wrote: “Phoebe: ‘Mum where are you?’
“Me: ‘Ermm, at Ushuaïa watching Calvin Harris, you?’” before adding laughing face and dance Emojis.
She then wrote: “Thanks for an amazing evening @calvinharris.”
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”.
BBC Radio 1 anchor Vick is no stranger to Strictly herself, after having starred on the show with Graziano Di Prima in 2018.
Fans were quick to react, with one posting: “Love this.”
A second put: “You look stunning Tess,” as a third remarked: “Cool mom award.”
Another surmised: “Utterly gorgeous. YOU.”
Talking about her idyllic location she added in another caption: “The most beautiful backdrop to shoot our next season @naia_beach collection @meibizahotel (with a sneak peek at some of our new pieces)”
Tess appeared in brighter spirits after recently admitting she was left sobbing by the side of the road.
It came after she made a milestone journey to drop her daughter Phoebe off at university.
Meanwhile, as Tess clocks up achievements in her home life, Strictly has been left in turmoil.
It centres over Italian Giovanni Pernice, who quit the BBC show earlier this year.
He is now is under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
This week, The Sun reported he faces fresh legal action from 2023 show partner Amanda.
The Sherlock actress’ lawyer believe releasing the pair’s rehearsal tapes will support misconduct accusations against the pro dancer.
A source said: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes.
“The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused.
“Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.
“He claims the allegations are false — she insists they will validate every one of her grievances. To be clear, the BBC are reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously. But there are data implications to them ever being leaked so they are in an unenviable position.”
It is beliebed the BBC is close to gathering all its evidence in the case – centred on Giovanni’s training methods with his celeb partners which have sparked accusations of gross misconduct.
Meanwhile, the former show winner has vowed to clear his name.
