Giovanni Pernice cuts dreary figure as he returns to stage with Anton Du Beke amid Strictly probe
While he remains under investigation at the BBC, Giovanni Pernice took to the stage with Anton Du Beke.
The Strictly stars recently embarked on a UK tour as part of their Anton & Giovanni Together show, making their latest stop at Tunbridge Wells' Assembly Hall Theatre in Kent, this Saturday, June 22, 2024, as The Sun reports.
Giovanni, 33, looked stone-faced as he left the venue in a black pair of trousers and a matching bomber jacket alongside co-star Lauren Oakley after his performance, which suffered a huge blow when ticket prices were slashed by 40% after failing to sell out. The outing comes after the choreographer was spotted breaking out of his Strictly regime and chain-smoking cigarettes while outside of an amusement arcade.
Giovanni Pernice embarked on a UK tour with Anton Du Beke
The Sicilian looked glum amid his Strictly probe
Giovanni has been at the core of an escalating crisis for several months after a handful of his former Strictly co-stars complained about his alleged intense approach to training behind the scenes, one of which was reported to be Amanda Abbington.
The Sherlock actress withdrew from the competition last year after only five weeks, citing medical and personal reasons and later revealing she'd been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint. Giovanni has fiercely denied the allegations weighing against him and has been said by pals to be ready to strike back. A number of celebrities have broken their silence over the storm, with Strictly's Shirley Ballas being one of the latest stars to share her thoughts and backed the professional dancer.
Speaking last night at Chorleywood Memorial Hall, Shirley said: "I know he is a hard worker. He wants the people to do the very best that they can do. Obviously in my life I was bullied a lot. I don't condone bullying on any path but also I don't believe gossip and what you read in the newspapers because things get escalated and they are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball."
"So my feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation or whatever it is they are doing and the truth will come out. So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely 100 per cent." She added: "I won’t pass on the gossip unless I know 100 per cent it is true. I have never ever, ever experienced any ill will or bad feeling or bad sportsmanship or rudeness from him. He will be missed."
Earlier this month, the BBC confirmed that Giovanni would not star in the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing, after issuing a previous statement "urging people not to indulge in speculation."
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