The stars have been warned not to discuss the ongoing investigation

STRICTLY’S head judge Shirley Ballas has defied BBC orders by speaking out in support of Giovanni Pernice.

The stars been instructed to remain quiet on Giovanni’s exit amid the ongoing investigation into his training room behaviour following complaints from Amanda Abbington and three other former celebrity partners.

Shirley Ballas has once again spoken out to support Giovanni PerniceCredit: Splash

4

Giovanni has stepped back from the show after Amanda Abbington accused him of bullyingCredit: PA
But Shirley, 63, was once again happy to discuss him and when quizzed about being vocal in her support, she said: “Of course.”

Asked if she would miss him, Shirley, who was at the Tric Awards, said: “I think that the show will be absolutely amazing, I can say that, and all the boys and girls that are coming back are fabulous, that’s what makes Strictly so special.”

She previously branded him a “perfect gentleman” and defended his teaching technique.

“You know, I can only talk from my own perspective. I have known Giovanni for ten years. He has always been to me — and I will make that clear, to me — a perfect gentleman,” she said.

Shirley continued: “I know he is a hard worker. He wants 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 I don’t believe gossip because things 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 and the truth will come out. So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely, 100 percent.”

Her latest comments come after The Sun revealed Amanda Abbington has called in police after being bombarded with death threats from trolls.

The actress, 50, has received dozens of horrific messages a day from fans of her ex-dance partner, who she has accused of bullying behaviour.Last week Giovanni released a statement vowing to clear his name after a male Strictly star became the fourth contestant to complain to the Beeb.

The dancer said: “As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.

“The latest accusations are simply false.

“I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.

“As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”

4

Amanda has worked with Giovanni for many yearsCredit: BBC

4

Gio is determined to clear his nameCredit: Getty