Shirley Ballas given warning to 'rein in' Giovanni Pernice support by BBC Strictly bosses amid bullying row
Shirley Ballas has been reportedly told to scale back on her public displays of support for axed Strictly Come Dancing star, Giovanni Pernice.
Pernice is the subject of an investigation at the BBC following claims of bullying and abusive behaviour.
The investigation was launched following claims reportedly spearheaded by Amanda Abbington who quit the show early into her stint last year after being paired with the 33-year-old.
Abbington claimed to have been diagnosed with PTSD following her time working with Pernice and is believed to have been backed by other claimants who experienced similar incidents.
Pernice has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, vowing to "clear his name" and "co-operating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation".
He's been publicly backed by the likes of Anton du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Debbie McGee and Ballas but it's the latter's displays of support which has reportedly left BBC bosses "angry".
Amanda Abbington had danced with Giovanni Pernice in Strictly 2023
BBCAccording to a source, the Mirror reports that bosses weren't happy with Ballas speaking openly about her fondness for Pernice.
The source reportedly said: "Shirley has been told she needs to rein it in and not talk about Giovanni in the context of the case.
"It’s such a complex thing that we can’t have people associated with the show speaking out about it."
Ballas was quoted as previously saying at a book launch that Pernice was a "hard worker" and will be "missed", according to the same publication.
Giovanni Pernice: The dancer won't be returning to Strictly PAShe also recently told The Sun: "I've known Giovanni for 10 years, and he's a good friend of mine. But I'm not involved on any side of that [the investigation].
"You don't want to kill their enthusiasm or the thought that they can be the Glitterball champion. So, I think sometimes, words can be cruel and people deliver them in not a great way.
"I learned the difference. I can be super strict when somebody is trying to win the gold medal, then I can still be quite strict but in a positive way on Strictly so they will learn something.
"That's always ongoing for me. I'm always searching for the best way I can bring great constructive criticism."
GB News has contacted the BBC for comment on the source's claims.
Meanwhile, Pernice continues to perform to adoring crowds up and down the country away from the world of Strictly on his joint tour with du Beke.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
He's remained relatively tight-lipped on the investigation but did say in a statement earlier this year: "I am co-operating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.
"As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
"I’m so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support. Your messages and love mean so very much.
"I will hopefully see many of you soon," the Italian dancer signed off.