Strictly Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas has broken her silence about working with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, offering a surprising perspective on their professional relationship during the intense dance competition.
In a candid revelation, the 63-year-old dance expert shared that her experience partnering with Pernice on the BBC One show was overwhelmingly positive, despite the ongoing investigation into his teaching methods that has dominated headlines.
The Untold Story Behind the Dance Floor
"I've danced with Giovanni many times," Ballas disclosed during an appearance on BBC's The One Show. "He's a beautiful, strong, masculine dancer. He's absolutely wonderful to dance with."
Her comments come at a crucial time, with the BBC launching a formal investigation after multiple complaints from Pernice's former celebrity partners, including actress Amanda Abbington.
A Different Perspective on Teaching Style
While acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, Ballas offered a unique insight into what drives the Sicilian-born dancer. "He wants the people to be the best that they can be, and sometimes, when you want the best for people, you have to be a little bit... firm with them."
The dance judge emphasized the demanding nature of the competition, noting that the intense pressure cooker environment of Strictly requires strong guidance to achieve the spectacular results viewers expect each Saturday night.
Support from the Dance Community
Ballas isn't alone in her support. Former Strictly professional James Jordan recently defended Pernice, suggesting that some celebrity participants might not fully understand the commitment required when signing up for the challenging competition.
As the investigation continues, Ballas's revelations provide a counter-narrative to the current controversy, highlighting the complex dynamics between professional dancers and their celebrity partners in one of television's most demanding entertainment formats.
