SHIRLEY BALLAS has officially broken her silence to throw her support behind under-fire ex Strictly star Giovanni Pernice.
After three former stars made official complaints about Giovanni's conduct on Strictly - the show's judges have largely remained silent on the matter as the BBC investigates.
But head judge Shirley has now broken rank to speak out in support of Giovanni and his strict training methods - and has seemingly taken a swipe at his accusers by saying Giovanni "wants the best for anybody who wants to learn" - implying that those who complained didn't want to.
Speaking to Best Magazine, Shirley said: "I think everybody in the Strictly cast is fantastic and I’ve known Giovanni a long, long time.
"I’ve known him probably longer than a lot of people have known him and I can only talk from personal experience. He’s got a work ethic that is the same as mine."
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"He works hard and he wants the best for anybody who wants to learn," she said. "He’s a true gentleman, and of course, he always looks drop-dead gorgeous.
"He always puts his best foot forward and is always on time, he’s one of those very thoughtful people. He called me the other day to invite my mum to a show he was doing because they love each other.
"As popular as he is, he will always try and make his way to any fan who wants to see him and will always make them feel super-special."
Her comments come after the BBC brought in former Met Police officers in order to interview those involved in the scandal.
A source said: “The BBC is taking this extremely seriously.
"Two ex-Met cops are conducting all the interviews and have been tasked with gathering evidence — including texts and screenshots — which they will present to corporation executives.
"Giovanni has not yet been spoken to.”
It's been reported Giovanni made a "lewd" gesture to his dance partner during rehearsals, while others have complained about his "militant" training style.
Since the initial three complaints, believed to have been spearheaded by Amanda Abbington, a fourth star has come forward claiming they needed "months of therapy" after working with him.
Amanda later spoke out in an interview to brand Giovanni 'nasty' as she spoke about her experience.
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In light of the accusations, Giovanni officially quit the series, and has hired a top law firm in order to clear his name.
"To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name," he wrote in a statement to fans as the investigation came to light.
"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.”
"No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me,” he continued. “I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!"
