Strictly judge Anton Du Beke praises Giovanni Pernice after show scandal and probe results
STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has sent his praise to pal Giovanni Pernice following the BBC show’s probe into the star.
Anton and Giovanni have worked together multiple times this year including their very own BBC travel show as well as embarking on a nationwide tour at the height of Giovanni’s scandal relating to complaints from former celeb partner, actress Amanda Abbington.
Last week, it was revealed that the BBC had cleared Giovanni of almost all the abuse allegations against him.
The report concluded that Giovanni was not abusive to Amanda, did not make threats and was not intimidating.
It also found that there was no aggressive or physical contact between Giovanni and Amanda.
In the wake of the report’s release, Anton has now re-affirmed his admiration for his under fire co-star and discussed some of the recent behind-the-scenes antics of their recent stage tour.
Speaking to the Mirror, Anton revealed how Giovanni had become more humorous and comedic during their recent tour despite the pressures of the investigation looming over him at the time.
Anton told the publication: “If I am with Giovanni, he is very much about [being] the solo flyer [on stage].
“We have got to be good as he has got really good at listening and now the whole thing works in a much more nuanced way, as he will do something funny and I will do something funny. It is now a much better sort of cohesive moment.”
Amid the many recent Strictly scandals, Anton stood firm as he insisted reputation was more important than anything as he revealed audiences and fans can “see through it” when someone is not being genuine.
He added: “Whatever it is I do, it has to be standalone good. That is massively important to me.
“Your reputation has to be worked towards and you never don’t work at it as the audience will see through it.”
Upon the report being released, it upheld six out of 17 allegations against pro dancer Giovanni, according to the Mail.
It finds instances of Giovanni using swear words and “belittling” language and giving negative feedback.
And the report also finds there there were two moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace”.
These incidents were made and received consensually as jokes, humour and compliments of Amanda dancing, the report finds.
Amanda had complained that Giovanni sent her an inappropriate video on WhatsApp.
But the BBC did not uphold this complaint and did not find anything sexually inappropriate.