Shirley Ballas has disclosed that she remains in regular contact with former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, speaking to him at least once a week. The revelation comes after Pernice addressed the possibility of returning to the BBC show, from which he departed following an investigation into his conduct.
The 34-year-old dancer was cleared of the most serious allegations, though the BBC apologised to actress Amanda Abbington after upholding some of her complaints regarding their partnership during the 2023 series. Since leaving Strictly, Pernice returned to Italy and recently won the Italian version of the show, Ballando Con Le Stelle, alongside his girlfriend Bianca Guaccero.
In a recent interview, Pernice expressed a desire to return to Strictly but doubted producers would welcome him back. He told the Mail on Sunday: "I would love to go back to 'Strictly' because 'Strictly' changed my life... but I don't think they're going to have me back." He added that he felt upset but acknowledged the show had moved on.
Speaking on behalf of WhichBingo, Ballas said of Pernice: "I'm in touch with Giovanni at least once a week. Giovanni is a good friend of mine and an absolute star when it comes to my 87 year old mother. He never forgets a birthday... He is that kind of a soul." She added that in her ten years of knowing him, he has been "nothing but charming."
However, the 64-year-old head judge noted she would support any BBC decisions to maintain the show's quality. "Whatever the BBC do to keep the show wonderful for the general public, I will go along with it," she said.
