(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Anton du Beke has finally addressed Giovanni Pernice Strictly Come Dancing exit after the Italian was accused of ‘bullying’ by actress, Amanda Abbington
Anton du Beke has said he would like to see Giovanni Pernice back on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Breaking his silence for the first time on Giovanni’s exit, judge Anton said: “I’d like to see him back of course.” Giovanni vehemently defended his work ethic earlier this year when he was accused of “bullying” and “abusive” behaviour in the Strictly training room by actress, Amanda Abbington.
The BBC is reported to be in “panic” mode ahead of the release of a report examining bullying allegations on its primetime hit show, with bosses at the corporation worried about potential costly legal action when its findings are published.
This week, Anton added to The Sun: “But we’ll enjoy Aljaz, and his new efforts on the show this year, and we’ll move forward.”
Anton and Giovanni are good pals, having filmed their BBC travel show together as well going on tour together this year.
(
Image:
WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures’ Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)
Strictly’s longest-serving professional dancer Giovanni has found himself at the centre of bullying allegations, after his celebrity dance partner Amanda came forward with testimony earlier this year. The Sicilian has since left the BBC show and joined the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le stelle.
Bosses at the BBC are said to be weighing their options ahead of the report’s publication, with the possibility of either Giovanni or Amanda taking them to court if they are disappointed with its findings. With excitement building for the start of the new series of Strictly on Saturday, the corporation will also want to avoid tarnishing its star-studded start.
A BBC source revealed to the Mail that the top brass “don’t know what to do for the best,” with the much-delayed bullying report.
They said: “There is a lot of panic and worry that whoever it does go in favour of will really go for the BBC, so every single word of whatever is released doesn’t give anyone the chance to complain.
“They literally don’t know what to do so it is being delayed and delayed. [Director-General] Tim Davie is a good guy but this is impossible to navigate.”
It recently emerged the staff on Strictly Come Dancing had been asked to “hand in their phones” by BBC bosses, after a reported subject access request by Abbington’s legal representatives, Carter Ruck. This will trawl for any reference to either of the former dancing duo, in the hopes of bringing to light anything that will support or disprove the bullying claim.
News
EXCLUSIVE Eamonn Holmes, 64, CHEEKILY GRABS girlfriend Katie Alexander’s, 42, BOTTOM in couple’s first SHOWING of PDA during romantic break – after his estranged wife Ruth Langsford was left SH0CKED at holiday
Eamonn Holmes proved that he was very much enjoying his new romance with girlfriend Katie Alexander as he was seen cheekily grabbing her bottom whilst on a romantic…
Ant and Dec apologise to their wives for ‘WORKING SO MUCH’ after NTA WIN
The duo won the TV presenter category for the 23rd time! It’s no surprise that Ant and Dec returned home with yet another NTA last night! The pair have…
‘UTTERLY TERRIFY!NG’ My ST@LKER IS BEING FREED EARLY, says Loose Women’s Denise Welch – I feel sorry for anyone who is now LIVING IN FEAR
Denise shared the ‘terrifying’ news during a discussion on the show LOOSE Women star Denise Welch says her stalker is being freed early – and she feels…
Giovanni Pernice gushes he’s ‘HAPPY AND READY TO HAVE FUN’ as he KICKSTARTS REHEARSALS with his stunning celebrity partner for Italian version of Strictly – hours BEFORE the UK show’s launch
Giovanni Pernice was all smiles on Saturday as he posed for playful snaps with his dance partner after beginning rehearsals for the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing. It…
FRESH START Giovanni Pernice set to cash in THOUSANDS as he announces massive 78-date UK tour ahead of Strictly INVESTIGATI0N RESULT
The former BBC star told fans ‘you know where to find me’ STRICTLY Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has revealed a massive 78-date UK tour just days…
STRICTLY FRIENDS ‘I WANT GIOVANNI BACK ON STRICTLY,’ admits judge Anton Du Beke as he BREAKS SILENCE on BBC pr0be into his BEST FRIEND
And 2024 contestant, Toyah Willcox, has opened up about the extreme measures taken to keep the show’s celebs safe this year ANTON Du Beke breaks his silence…
End of content
No more pages to load