SHIRLEY Ballas has thrown her support behind Strictly’s Anton Du Beke after he was named as ‘4th star dragged into the misconduct probe’.
Last night The Sun revealed concern had been raised over Anton’s promotion to judge despite him previously calling celeb Laila Rouass a “P***”.
Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima had his Strictly contract terminated on Monday following allegations he “hit, spat at and kicked” Zara McDermott during rehearsals last year.
Earlier this year Amanda Abbington also made serious allegations against another professional Giovanni Pernice, 33, during the last series – which he has denied.
Today head judge Shirley – who works closely alongside Anton – took to her Instagram account to send her love on his special day.
Posting a snap of the pair together, Shirley said: “Happiest of birthdays to the king @mrantondubeke.
“See you very soon.”
The star then shared a video of the two dancing on the floor of the BBC set.
Anton joined the BBC dance show for its first series in 2004.
He became part of the judging panel in 2019.
Earlier this week social media users pointed out Anton’s comment he made about Laila’s spray tan back in 2009 – which he apologised for later.
Actress Laila has since been in touch with complainants about her time on the show and is said to be considering legal action.
A source told us: “Anton has a very 1970s attitude and can be abrasive.
“The lines are becoming increasingly blurred as to what is acceptable or not, and of course, some people have found him fine to work with.
“But there were murmurings of discontent when he was a dancer. Yet the BBC promoted him. It is all quite strange.”
A source close to Anton said: “His comment was dealt with at the time and he wants to move on.”
Last week Graziano, 30, was fired from the BBC show after bosses were shown shocking footage of him training with Zara.
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
He was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked her during rehearsals.
Zara then spoke out earlier this week: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true.”
Zara said she “fully understood” how much commitment and hard work would be needed on the show and insisted she is “resilient” and was ready to “put in whatever it took”.
She praised her fellow contestants and the production team, saying they were “amazing to work with” – but added her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
“Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
“The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud.
“This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.
“I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
They are not the only ones involved in the probe.
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”.
Gio was axed from the upcoming series of Strictly back in May.
His celebrity partner last year Amanda and two other celebrities had made complaints about him.
At the start of the year, The Sherlock star allegedly told pals that the dance show left her with post-traumatic stress disorder, demanded footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni and was seeking legal advice.
The BBC then launched an internal investigation into it all.
In his statement on social media, Giovanni 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!”
