DEBBIE McGee was heartbroken about her former Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice after he was axed from the BBC show.
Giovanni, who has been on the show for nine years, has become central to a series of official complaints made against him regarding his “military tactics” in the rehearsal room.
The star was probed by the BBC into his conduct during training after three former partners made complaints against him.
Debbie, who was partnered with Giovanni when she took part in the show back in 2017, has now come forward with a statement following his axe off the show.
On an Instagram post of the pair, she wrote: “I am heartbroken for @giovannipernice My experience on Strictly will always be happy and life changing. Gio nurtured me through my grief and gave me confidence I could do things I thought was beyond me.”
One supportive fan commented: “Lovely post Debbie. Thank you. It would be nice to see some support from his Strictly professional colleagues……but not a word. What an absolute shame. It would have been lovely for him to be on the show for its 20th year.”
And another added: “Well said Debbie. Gio is a fabulous dancer and teacher. He will be on to better things. Strictly has lost a loyal viewer in me!!”
“You were my dream team and always will be. Lovely of you to support him this way,” penned a third.
Whilst a fourth wrote: “Very sad that Gio isn’t in strictly this year a great loss to the show, he’s an amazing dancer and choreographer and will be greatly missed. Thank you for speaking out for him.”
Earlier this year, Debbie spoke out in support of her former Strictly partner after actress Amanda Abbington complained to BBC bosses about his behaviour.
Taking to Instagram, Debbie shared a smiley photograph with the Italian dancer and wrote: “Happy memories. Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly.”
Under fire Gio responded: “Love you … thank you [love heart emojis].”
Fans of the pairing also liked the public display of support, with one fan commenting: “This is lovely of you Debbie in the light of recent events xxx.”
Debbie, and Giovanni wowed viewers reaching the Strictly final in 2017, where they lost out to Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.
Now, the BBC have officially confirmed that Giovanni has quit Strictly amid the Amanda Abbington complaint row.
Amanda lodged a formal complaint against the Italian dancer and instructed lawyers, while the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct on the show.
It stems from accusations that Giovanni pushed things too far in the rehearsal room to the point Amanda quit last October and was diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024:Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
