Fresh BBC Strictly Come Dancing star 'close' to Giovanni Pernice comments as Shirley Ballas says 'show goes on'

Another Strictly Come Dancing star has commented on Giovanni Pernice's exit from the show as Shirley Ballas said the 'show must go on'. Earlier this month, the BBC confirmed the professional dancer line-up for the upcoming 2024 series which didn't include the Italian dancer.

Reigning champion Vito Coppola and Amy Dowden, who returns to the show after being unable to compete last year after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and undergoing treatment, were both named among the returning dancers alongside the likes of longest-serving professionals Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez.

Notably, Giovanni was not among the names confirmed. He has been a part of the dancing show since 2015 when he reached the grand final with Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote. Later, in 2021, he lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf contestant to win.

READ MORE: Eamonn Holmes says he's 'not OK' as he shares Ruth Langsford 'hope' amid divorce

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link

The 33-year-old was last paired with Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who withdrew from the competition in 2023 citing “personal reasons” but Giovanni has since been subject to a number of allegations regarding his conduct in the training room which he rejects.

Fellow dancer Michelle Tsiakkas is now the latest to speak out about the situation and confessed she's still in touch with under-fire Giovanni. Speaking to The Sun at the TRIC Awards, Michelle said: "We're sad about losing Giovanni - we are a big family at the end of the day, so we just want to continue being that family and supporting each other.

"Of course sometimes unfortunate situations happen." When asked if she'd spoken to Giovanni since the accusations, Michelle replied: "Yes, we're all really close." She added: "I really hope people keep watching because it is such an amazing show. It's the best distraction for people when they have troubles in their life and they put on the TV. And it's just such a happy show, it truly is, I would tell people to continue watching, it's a great show."

Meanwhile, Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas, who has already backed the show's former professional dancer, added to press at the same showbiz event on Tuesday (June 25): "You know what the show goes on... It will go on. Its a brilliant series this year - all the boys and girls will be getting ready with all their different numbers."

It came hours after Gorka Marquez shared his response to Giovanni's exit from Strictly as he was put on the spot during a live TV appearance. The dancer was quizzed alongside Karen Hauer as they appeared on Good Morning Britain to chat about the show's 20th birthday as well as their own tour, Speak Easy, to take place next year.

After speaking about the return of Strictly this autumn, Susanna Reid turned the chat to Giovanni's exit and how losing a dancer of his standard affects the 'Strictly family'. Gorka took the question, responding: "I think it's like when Aljaz [Skorjanec] left and when Oti [Mabuse] left or when Anton [Du Beke] decided to go to the judge role, everybody's missed.

"Everybody is a big a part of the show so when someone decides to leave or change their careers, it's sad for everybody." Adil Ray then asked if he's in touch with Giovanni to which Gorka said: "Yeah, sometimes we speak. Obviously he's so busy, he's on tour with Anton..."