GIOVANNI Pernice has declared his love for Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas after vowing to clear his name.

The professional dancer, 33, who quit the ballroom show earlier this year, is under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.

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Giovanni Pernice has declared his love for Strictly head judge Shirley BallasCredit: Getty
Taking to his Instagram Story yesterday, Giovanni wrote: “Oh, I love you,” with laughing and heart emojis alongside a video from Shirley’s grid.

The Queen of Latin had tagged him in a video from her book signing event, initially insisting that nobody had turned up.

However, the camera soon panned around to show a full audience of fans, eager to get her signature on her Murder on the Dance Floor novel.

It comes after The Sun exclusively reported how Giovanni had made a “lewd” gesture to his dance partner during rehearsals.

OFF SCREEN

Gio is facing claims he upset partner Amanda Abbington and others with crude remarks.

A source told us: “The BBC inquiry has been told Giovanni’s lewd behaviour wasn’t limited solely to Amanda — he did similar to other dance partners as well.

“It’s alleged he would grab his crotch in front of them if they did something good in rehearsals.”

The new claims come after The Sun revealed the BBC was looking into complaints of bullying against Giovanni from three former celebrity partners, including Sherlock actress Amanda and TV presenter Laura Whitmore.

Amanda, who quit Strictly’s 2023 series, has since claimed she had mild PTSD from working with Gio.

The Sun has also revealed a male celebrity has now joined them in the complaints.

Strictly legend defends Giovanni Pernice after he quits show – but outspoken ex-star says ‘there’s no smoke without fire’
One dancer is also said to have needed “three months of therapy” after starring on the BBC series.

Meanwhile, Strictly could have recruited another male dancer after Giovanni quit earlier this year.

FIGHT BACK

Giovanni, who has previously denied any wrongdoing, has instructed legal firm Schillings to fight his corner.

Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline

October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.

Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”

Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.

Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.

November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.

January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.

The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.

The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting

March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.

Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.

The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.

May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses

He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday

The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.

The Sun exclusively revealed how a spokesman for Giovanni said: “Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.

“As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.”

A source then previously said: “Giovanni remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong bar being a perfectionist, and a hard taskmaster.

“He wants to hear what allegations these claimants have against him but is adamant he will clear his name.”

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Gio is facing claims he upset partner Amanda Abbington and others with crude remarksCredit: PA

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Shirley tagged him in a hilarious Instagram video yesterdayCredit: Instagram