Anton Du Beke breaks silence on hope for Giovanni Pernice after 'sadness' over Strictly row

Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has commented on the controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice, who recently left his professional dancer role following allegations from his former dance partner Amanda Abbington.

Despite the row over Amanda's claims that Giovanni was "bullying" her during rehearsals, a claim he strongly denies, Anton expressed a desire to see his friend return to the show.

Chatting with The Sun's TV Mag, Anton said: "I'd love to see him back, of course."

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Recounting their joint professional experiences, he added: "Me and Giovanni went out on tour, we did our show - called Together - which was hugely successful, so we were delighted about that."

Anton also reflected on his own feelings regarding the accusations made by Amanda and the implications of another pro, Graziano Di Prima, being let go from Strictly after an incident with Zara McDermott during training, which Graziano says he "deeply regrets".

Speaking to the magazine, the seasoned Strictly participant stated: "It's one of those situations where I sort of feel like I'm on the outside looking in, because it's about stuff I'm not involved in anymore."

Anton shared: "You never want bad press, or anybody saying anything negative about the thing that you love. So I feel sad... You never want anything unpleasant to be said, so it's been unfortunate.

"You're always disappointed if somebody doesn't have a good time. You wish that they did, but it's sort of one of those things, isn't it?

"You hope that 99 per cent of people did have a great time. And you focus on that. I never thought the show would be cancelled."

Amanda previously opened up on the situation in a tearful interview with Krishnan-Guru Murthy on Channel 4 back in July.

During the discussion about the ongoing BBC inquiry and complaints from former participants of Strictly, Abbington revealed: "I know a lot of people went in to speak to them.

"I'm the official complainer. I think there's about five or six (other complainants) from what I can gather, but there's three main people, who've made complaints, mine's the official one."

When pressed by Guru-Murthy on the nature of her complaint, she acknowledged: "Yes, it's bullying and it's aggressive behaviour, there were other things that were very upsetting, that you manage in the room at the time, because you're a woman, and you have to manage those things because otherwise, what do you do?".

Giovanni has responded to the allegations, firmly denying any misconduct and stating: "Of course, 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. 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."