STRONG BOND Craig Revel Horwood FUELS RUMOURS Giovanni Pernice will RETURN to Strictly as he backs him in BULLY!NG row!

Craig has been a Strictly judge from the first ever series back in 2004

STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has backed professional dancer Giovanni Pernice following a misconduct probe which cast a shadow on the 2024 series.

The straight-talking BBC One star, who turns 60 in 2025, has addressed the scandal which was sparked after the Italian’s former show partner Amanda Abbington, 50, issued a complaint about his behaviour in training.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has backed former show star Giovanni Pernice

It came after Giovanni was subject to a BBC misconduct probeCredit: Rex

Complaints were filed by many of Giovanni’s former dance partners including Amanda AbbingtonCredit: Louis Wood

Craig was appointed a Strictly judge back in 2004, when the show first aired.

He was again in prime position on the panel as fan-favourite comedian Chris McCausland was hailed champion earlier this month.

Yet just months before, Giovanni, 33, quit the BBC show.

His exit came amid an investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners – claims he strongly denied.

At the time, Amanda told the Lorraine show she had flagged concerns about the Italian’s conduct on the very first week.

A BBC report upheld six allegations against him but cleared him of any serious claims.

The same investigation also saw his fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of “physical incidents” towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27.

Now Craig has spoken out to back Giovanni – who won Italy’s version of Strictly this year.

He told Saga Magazine: “It says a lot that only six minor complaints out of the 17 were upheld in the BBC’s investigation [into Giovanni’s alleged bullying].

“So, I feel now we can move forward with a fresh approach.

“The good thing to come out of a difficult situation was the introduction of chaperones to Strictly.

“It’s great that now professionals and celebrities have someone to go to for advice and to resolve issues and conflicts before they become a problem.

“Striving for gold is never easy but gold is what competitors want, don’t they?

“At the same time, Strictly’s not the Olympics. It’s a dance show and it’s entertainment. We shouldn’t forget that.”

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special WINNERS

STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Christmas Special is rolling back around for 2024. Yet who has already scooped the festive Glitterball Trophy?

2005 Darren Gough & Lilia Kopylova
2006 Colin Jackson & Erin Boag
2007 Darren Gough & Lilia Kopylova
2008 Jill Halfpenny & Darren Bennett
2009 Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna
2010 John Barrowman & Kristina Rihanoff
2011 Charlie Brooks & Vincent Simone
2012 J.B. Gill & Ola Jordan
2013 Rufus Hound & Flavia Cacace
2014 Louis Smith & Aliona Vilani
2015 Harry Judd & Joanne Clifton
2016 Melvin Odoom & Janette Manrara
2017 Katie Derham & Brendan Cole
2018 Aston Merrygold & Janette Manrara
2019 Debbie McGee & Kevin Clifton
2020 —
2021 Anne-Marie & Graziano Di Prima
2022 Alexandra Mardell & Kai Widdrington
2023 Jamie Borthwick & Nancy Xu

SHOW COMEBACK

Earlier this year, the BBC cleared 34-year-old Sicilian Giovanni of ten out of 16 allegations when its probe concluded.

Six claims were upheld, including bullying and harassment.

Bosses then apologised to Amanda.

The report cleared Giovanni of violence and physical abuse.

It also said he did not make threats and was not intimidating.

The Sun has now confirmed his TV comeback – on reality show Hunted – will air next year.

A TV source said: “It was absolutely right to shelve Hunted while the BBC took the time to unravel the claims against Giovanni.

“It was filmed in 2022 and due to screen last year, but will now air in early 2025.”

RAW REVEAL

Meanwhile, sharp-tongued judge Craig showed his sensitive side during this year’s Strictly final as blind stand-up Chris almost brought him to tears.

During his feedback to the star, who was partnered with pro dancer Dianne Buswell, the notoriously strict judge and choreographer was visibly emotional.

Giving his take on the couple’s final dance to You’ll Never Walk Alone, Craig revealed he had his “eyes opened” after visiting the studio to see the pair practice.

He said: “My eyes were made wide open when I came to join you in the studio, and I loved every second of it.”

He then took things a step further as he read out a Christmas card to the comedian, describing him as a “light that shines for all to see”.

He read out his Christmas card, filled with some jokes before later coming out from his seat to come and hug the couple.

Craig has been a permanent fixture on Strictly since the first show in 2004 and said the introduction of chaperones was ‘a good thing’Credit: PA:Press Association