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."
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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.
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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.
