Giovanni Pernice reaches out to BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas over show of support amid axe: 'I Iove you'
Shirley and Gio supported one another during their shows
BBC/YOUTUBE/STRICTLY THEATRE CO
Giovanni Pernice received show of support last night from Strictly Come Dancing judge and co-star Shirley Ballas as she seemed to tease the dancer over his pre-show ritual.
The Italian professional dancer was reported to have quit the BBC dance show back in May, with the reports recently being confirmed as the official Strictly line-up was released.
His axing comes after former partner Amanda Abbington sought legal action about his conduct during rehearsals, which led her to quit the competition in week five and claim she has PTSD from their time together.
After she requested access to their training clips, three more former partners of Pernice's came forward, with one allegedly needing therapy after their time with the Latin and Ballroom dancer - with another claiming he had done "horrendous things".
Despite the ongoing BBC investigation - which involves law firm Carter-Ruck going against Pernice's team at Schillings - the star has had support from many of his Strictly friends and colleagues including Debbie McGee, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, Anton Du Beke and now Ballas.
She recently took to her Instagram account and posted a video to her story where she said: "I have come all the way to Chorley Wood to do my new paperback, Murder on the Dancefloor, and not a soul has turned up, so Charlie has interviewed me all on my own.
Shirley teased Giovanni over his pre-show rituals
"What a disappointment, but anyway..." she added before the camera panned to the sold-out venue, something which Pernice does himself before every show on tour with Du Beke.
She captioned the video: "@giovannipernice.... nobody came to watch the show," before he reposted to his own Instagram story and penned: "Oh I love you," alongside a laughing emoji and love heart emoji. (sic)
While Pernice has had support from many of his colleagues, former partner Rose Ayling Ellis spoke out early on during the claims and urged through a source who told The Sun: "She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won't be speaking about it publicly."
Abbington had kept silent as the ongoing claims kept piling up against Pernice, but she recently spoke out and branded the dancer "nasty" and insisted she was the one who requested for their sessions to be filmed - not Pernice.
Anton and Giovanni recently kicked off their 'Together' tour
He had previously claimed that he went to BBC bosses and asked if all their training sessions together would be recorded after he grew concerned about the former Sherlock star's behaviour just two weeks into their training.
As the ongoing drama unfolded, the BBC released a rare statement addressing the investigation: "It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals. Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
"Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high-profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.
"If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
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"This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint - that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
"Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned. We will not be commenting further."
Pernice has continued to vehemently deny the claims of "bullying" and "abuse" and recently released another statement where he was adamant he would clear his name.