Giovanni Pernice publicly backed by BBC Strictly star amid cast 'ban' from discussing 'bullying' saga
BBC Strictly: Giovanni Pernice receives show of support from Lauren Oakley
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Giovanni Pernice has received a public show of support from Strictly Come Dancing pro Lauren Oakley, just weeks after it was confirmed he'd left the show.
The Italian dancer had joined the BBC competition in 2015 but the decision for him not to participate this year follows an investigation into his conduct and training methods by the Beeb.
Pernice has faced a handful of "bullying" and "misconduct" allegations from former partners on the show, spearheaded by Amanda Abbington.
Abbington quit the show early last year after being paired with Pernice and has since gone on to claim she was diagnosed with PTSD from their time together and has instructed a legal firm.
Pernice has vehemently denied any claims of wrongdoing and has vowed to "clear his name" amid the scandal, instructing a legal team of his own.
Following his exit from Strictly, many of the cast have remained tight-lipped on the ordeal with a "ban" reportedly in place - including an awkward interview from Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola on ITV recently - but now, pro dancer Oakley has shown her loyalty.
BBC Strictly: Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington competed in the 2023 series
BBC
Oakley had previously accompanied Pernice on his solo tour earlier this year and now, the Italian dancer is embarking on a joint tour with Anton du Beke.
Oakley attended a show on Monday night, taking to Instagram to show her support for the dancer and his Strictly judge co-star.
Reposting a snap of the programme from the event on her Instagram page, the caption read: "Shine beauties shine."
Oakley added to the post with a series of love heart emojis as she publicly supported Pernice.
The female pro was watching with fellow fans at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells.
The outcome of the BBC investigation remains undecided for now, but Pernice's future on the show has been confirmed.
However, that hasn't stopped reports emerging that he's already in talks to land his next big TV comeback away from the BBC dance competition.
Oakley also isn't the only Strictly star to publicly show their support for Pernice following his axe as Shirley Ballas spoke out earlier this month.
While promoting her new book Murder on the Dancefloor, she told The Mirror: "I know he is a hard worker.
"He wants the people to do the very best that they can do. Obviously, in my life I was bullied a lot.
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BBC Strictly: Lauren Oakley was partnered with Krishnan Guru-Murthy last year
BBC
"I don't condone bullying on any path but also I don't believe gossip and what you read in the newspapers because things get escalated and they are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball.
"So my feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation or whatever it is they are doing and the truth will come out.
"So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely 100 percent. I won’t pass on the gossip unless I know 100 percent it is true.
"I have never ever, ever experienced any ill will or bad feeling or bad sportsmanship or rudeness from him. He will be missed."