A BBC policy states: ‘Actors and artists in BBC output should not appear in promotional work which mimics on-air roles’

UNDER-fire Giovanni Pernice shrugged off his Strictly bullying row this weekend to celebrate fellow dancer and friend Anton Du Beke’s birthday.

They performed on Saturday night for their Together tour, where the crowd sang Happy Birthday to the judge 58.

3

Giovanni Pernice shrugged off his Strictly bullying row to celebrate friend Anton Du Beke’s birthdayCredit: Getty

3

Anton and Giovanni in Llandudno on Saturday nightCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/giovannipernice/3416587029192191057/?hl=en
Anton also came under scrutiny at the weekend for his treatment of celeb Laila Rouass before becoming a show judge.

Gio, 33, said in Llandudno, Clwyd: “Happy birthday to my best friend.

“Let’s shake this bum on stage tonight extra hard to celebrate.”

It comes as Graziano Di Prima was axed after he kicked Love Island’s Zara McDermott.

Now it can be revealed Gio is still cashing in on Strictly as he is booked to perform at parties which look to copy the show, despite quitting in May.

He and other cast members will feature at Dancing With The Stars in Windsor and Newport next year.

But their involvement dance close to breaking BBC rules.

The policy states: “Actors and artists in BBC output should not appear in promotional work which mimics on-air roles.”

A source said: “As a publicly-funded corporation, the BBC has to be careful with its commercial guidelines but there is a clear grey area when it comes to performers.

“The dancers being booked to perform at private events isn’t the same thing as them mimicking a scene for an advert.

“But Giovanni’s inclusion will raise eyebrows as he is of course no longer part of the Strictly cast and it looks very much like he is cashing in while he still can.”

The Dancing With The Stars weekends will be held at country hotels next year with the travel agency promoting the events using Strictly-style branding.

The website reads: “If you love Strictly, this is your ultimate 4* weekend break.

“Enjoy three days of spectacular dance showcases as the Strictly stars perform up close and personal.”

Giovanni and Anton have struggled to sell tickets for the nationwide tour amid the scandal, with them forced slash prices on a seat filling site.

The BBC declined to comment, but the dancing weekends are not affiliated with the BBC.

3

Graziano Di Prima was recently axed from Strictly amid claims he kicked Love Island’s Zara McDermottCredit: Getty