DEBBIE McGee has publicly backed her former Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice after actress Amanda Abbington complained to BBC bosses about his behaviour.
The former magician’s assistant, 65, wowed viewers with Giovanni en route to the Strictly 2017 final, where they lost to Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.
4
Debbie McGee said she has ‘happy memories’ with Giovanni Pernice Credit: instagram
4
Beeb bosses are taking Amanda Abbington’s Strictly appeal seriously Credit: Pixel8000
Taking to Instagram tonight, Debbie shared a smiley photo with the Italian dancer and wrote: “Happy memories. Giovanni and I had the best time on Strictly.”
Under fire, Gio replied: “I love you… thank you [love heart emojis].”
Fans of the pair also loved the public show of support, with one fan commenting: “That’s nice of you Debbie in light of recent events xxx.”
Another said: “Debbie you and @giovannipernice were absolutely amazing together. My winners for sure!”
A third wrote: “Well done Debs for saying how you were doing.”
The strict Gio faced a barrage of criticism from former partners in the show.
Friends of Sherlock star Amanda, who left the show last year while partnering Gia, claim the experience left her with PTSD.
She has now lodged a complaint with the BBC and demanded they hand over the footage of her rehearsals with Gia while she seeks legal advice.
In a statement, a BBC spokesman said they took their “duty of care incredibly seriously” after The Sun revealed they would not be launching an independent probe.
A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: “The BBC offers comprehensive support to all individuals who take part in our programmes.
“Strictly Come Dancing has always taken duty of care incredibly seriously and there is constant dialogue between senior members of the production team and contestants to ensure any concerns are resolved quickly.
“He really has a proud record of joyful, positive experiences where strong support and help is always available at every stage of production.”
The Sun revealed today that some professional dancers and crew accused Strictly of “sweeping under the carpet” concerns about Giovanni.
As well as Amanda, at least one other star, GMB’s Ranvir Singh, has also complained about the Italian, while former Steps singer Faye Tozer has reportedly clashed with him.
TV personality Richie Anderson has unfollowed his former dance partner on Instagram, while former Love Island host Laura Whitmore previously revealed she was “broken” by her time with him.
The Sun can reveal bosses secretly held a meeting with Giovanni, 33, about his behavior last year, but no action was taken.
A source said: “Some of the pros and crew feel it needs to be dealt with and Giovanni should not be back this year.
“It comes as a shock to some on the show who think something needs to be done about his behaviour.
“Amanda had a really hard time with him and she’s not the only one.”
Last night a source close to the professional said: “Gio finds some of these allegations deeply unfair and offensive.
“He had the support of the producers about what happened recently and they are behind him. A lot of the negativity seems to have come from professional jealousy, especially among other professional dancers because he got his own TV show with Anton Du Beke.
“Gio believes he has done nothing wrong and simply wants to get the best out of his partners.”
4
Giovanni Pernice has been criticized by a number of former celebrity dance partners Credit: Simon Jones
4
The couple were happy for their time on the dance floorCredit: PA
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education