Strictly's Shirley Ballas breaks silence on BBC bullying probe

by · Mail Online

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has broken her silence on the findings from a year-long BBC bullying probe. 

Dancer Giovanni Pernice shared his 'relief' this week that he was cleared of the 'majority' of allegations made against him by his former partner, actress Amanda Abbington.

One of the Strictly team to support Giovanni amid the probe was judge Shirley, 64, and she shared her thoughts on its conclusion on Wednesday.   

'I don't condone bullying – I've been through it myself,' she told The Mirror. 'So if things aren't right or need addressing, I feel for the person that wants them addressed. 

'And I think that's a big, important part – that everybody gets to say their thing. But now the investigation is over and everybody can move on.'

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has broken her silence on the findings from a year-long BBC bullying probe
Dancer Giovanni Pernice shared his 'relief' this week that he was cleared of the 'majority' of allegations made against him by his former partner, actress Amanda Abbington (Pictured in July)

In July it was reported that Shirley had been ordered by BBC bosses to 'rein in' her public support for Giovanni as the corporation continued to investigate. 

Head judge Shirley voiced support for the dancer, saying he is a 'good friend' to her and she will be 'by his side' forever.

However, according to The Mirror, bosses at the Beeb were not happy Shirley has been so vocal in her support for Giovanni because of the nature of the claims against him.

A source 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.'

MailOnline contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing for comment at the time.

Actress Amanda quit the show abruptly in just week five of last year's series, citing personal reasons, before going on to accuse Giovanni of 'mean' and 'cruel' behaviour. 

Giovanni said he was 'relieved' following the end of the probe which found in his favour on all but six of the 17 allegations.

One of the Strictly team to support Giovanni amid the probe was judge Shirley, 64, and she shared her thoughts on its conclusion on Wednesday
The report investigating what went on during training has not been made public

Despite bosses not upholding allegations that Mr Pernice was physically aggressive, it did uphold some of Amanda's complaints of verbal bullying and harassment. 

The BBC also agreed with Amanda that at times he appeared to be giving her overly negative feedback. 

After the findings were published, Giovanni told MailOnline: 'I'm glad the review has finally come to an end. 

'The majority of the allegations have been thrown out by the review. It has been an extremely difficult year, reading story after story and not being able to say anything in return as I respected the integrity of the review, which the BBC asked everyone to do.

'I loved my time on Strictly and made some amazing memories. But now I am fully focused on Dancing With The Stars in Italy and supporting my dance partner Bianca.

Strictly stars shared their support for Giovanni , after he shared 'relief' that he was cleared of the 'majority' of allegations made against him (pictured with Anton Du Beke)

'I'm grateful to all those who have supported me at this time – I really don't know how I would have got through this with out the love and belief of my family, friends, colleagues and fans.'

 In a video shared on Instagram, Giovanni said that he was 'happy' to learn that all of the 'very serious allegations' hadn't been upheld.

He added: 'I’m happy because today I can carry on to do what I was born to do, and I love to do which is entertain all of you, because this is my life.'

Under the post, Strictly judges Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse 'liked' the post, while Craig Revel Horwood commented with a heart emoji.