Strictly's Shirley Ballas speaks out on Giovanni Pernice allegations: 'The truth will come out'

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has defended Giovanni Pernice amid allegations of "threatening and abusive behaviour" towards his former partners on the show, stating: "The truth will come out". Ballas praised Pernice as a "perfect gentleman" telling the Daily Mirror: "He has always been to me – and I will make that clear, to me – a perfect gentleman."

Regarding the investigation into the claims against Pernice she said: "My feeling for Giovanni is let them do this investigation or whatever it is they are doing and the truth will come out." She attested to having never observed any negative behaviour from Pernice stating: "I have never ever, ever experienced any ill-will or bad feeling or bad sportsmanship or rudeness from him."

The veteran dancer confessed her input only constitutes her personal viewpoint and declared her unwillingness to leap to conclusions without concrete evidence. She stated: "You know, I can only talk from my own perspective. I have known Giovanni for 10 years. I know he is a hard worker. He wants the people to do the very best that they can do." Try WalesOnline Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles, and brilliant new features.

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Addressing the issue of bullying and gossip in general Ballas acknowledged: "Obviously in my life I was bullied a lot. I don't condone bullying on any path but also I don't believe gossip because things get escalated and they are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball."

Emphasising the importance of evidence she concluded: "So we don't judge anybody until I know absolutely 100%. I won't pass on the gossip unless I know 100% it is true. He will be missed."

Earlier this month the BBC announced a star-studded ensemble of professionals for the forthcoming series set to air from September. The line-up boasts big names such as Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola.

Pernice has staunchly refuted all accusations levelled against him, stating he "looks forward to clearing [his] name", while the BBC's investigation into the claims continues. The dance champion first graced the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor in 2015 where he bagged the runner up title along with Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote. In 2023 Giovanni was paired with Sherlock star Amanda Abbingdon. However their stint on the show came to an unexpected halt when she exited the show prematurely citing "personal reasons" behind her withdrawal. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter.