Strictly Come Dancing's head judge, Shirley Ballas, has broken her social media silence to directly address the swirling rumours of a feud with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. This comes amidst a formal BBC investigation into Pernice's conduct following complaints from his former celebrity partners, including actress Amanda Abbington.
Ballas took to Instagram to share a cryptic but telling message alongside a glamorous photo of herself. She wrote about the importance of focusing on the positive and not letting others 'dim your light', a statement widely interpreted as a response to the ongoing controversy.
What is the Giovanni Pernice investigation about?
The BBC launched an inquiry after Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with Pernice in the 2023 series, allegedly requested rehearsal footage. Reports suggest she found his training methods 'militant' and 'abrasive', which contributed to her withdrawal from the competition for 'medical reasons'. It is believed other former partners have since come forward with similar concerns.
Pernice, a fan favourite since joining the show in 2015, has vehemently denied any allegations of threatening or abusive behaviour. He has stated his intense coaching style comes from a place of passion and a desire to win for his partners.
Shirley Ballas's carefully chosen words
While Ballas did not mention Pernice by name, her Instagram post was seen by fans as a clear nod to the situation. She urged her followers to "always look for the good in people" and to "choose kindness".
This public statement is significant as Ballas, a former professional dancer herself, is in a position of authority on the show. Her comments suggest a desire to remain neutral and supportive of the professional family, while acknowledging the difficult circumstances.
The outcome of the BBC investigation is still pending, and it remains to be seen what impact it will have on Giovanni Pernice's future on the hit BBC One dance competition.
