Strictly fans issue same response as Craig Revel Horwood breaks silence on Giovanni probe

Strictly Come Dancing star, Giovanni Pernice, told fans he was 'glad it's over' after being cleared of the most serious claims made against him by Amanda Abbington

Strictly Come Dancing fans have thrown their support behind Giovanni Pernice following the results of the bombshell BBC probe.

After a nine-month investigation, the Sicilian, 33, was cleared of the most serious claims made against him by Amanda Abbington, 50, who accused Giovanni of bullying and inappropriate behaviour during her short stint on the show last year.

Taking to Instagram, saying "all the threatening, abusive, harassment behaviour allegations have not been upheld," Giovanni told fans he was "glad it's over".

Quick to break their silence on the scandal was Strictly judge, Craig Revel Horwood, who posed for photos for fans with the Italian in London hours before the report findings were released. He replied to the dancer's post with a red heart - and Gio's legion of loyal followers also showed their love.

One replied: "I’m so glad it’s all over for you now !! Your fans were and still are 100% behind you. Strictly is just not the same without you !! Onwards and upwards now and do what you do best !!"

Another said: "Never doubted you for a second Gio. I have met you at a meet and greet and you were a true gentleman and had time for all your fans xxx keep being you xxx Hope to see you back on Strictly in the future." A third responded: "Never doubted you Gio. Onwards and upwards to better things." While a fourth mused: Hallelujah. At last. Sadly I imagine this may not be the last you hear from “her” but we all had complete faith in your innocence."

Wiping tears from his eyes during a break from the Italian version of Strictly, Gio said he wouldn't have been able to post his heartfelt message without fans' support. He concluded: "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."

Amanda, meanwhile, is said to be considering taking legal action against the BBC following its report. Six of the actress' claims against Giovanni were upheld after months of investigation.

The Sherlock star, who left the hit BBC One series last year citing "personal reasons," has accused the show of fostering a "toxic environment" teeming with "inappropriate, mean, and nasty bullying."

The BBC apologised to Amanda after it "upheld some, but not all" claims about the Italian dancer during the actress' short stint on the programme last year. The investigation revealed instances of "inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace" one of which involved Pernice making an improper gesture, contravening corporation policies.

Commenting on the broadcaster's findings, Amanda said speaking out "was not an easy thing to do". The BBC announced: "Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards. While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience.

"It is a great shame if this hasn't been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show. We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do."

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