A STRICTLY Come Dancing professional has broken the BBC ban on talking about Giovanni Pernice to have her say.
The Sun recently told how Strictly Come Dancing stars have been told by bosses not to publicly mention the ongoing scandal surrounding former professional Giovanni, 33.
But Michelle Tsiakkas today spoke out about the situation and confessed she's still in touch with under-fire Gio.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the TRIC Awards, Michelle, 28, said: "We're sad about losing Giovanni - we are a big family at the end of the day, so we just want to continue being that family and supporting each other.
"Of course sometimes unfortunate situations happen."
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Giovanni quit the show shortly before it was revealed he faces a BBC probe after his former celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington said she had PTSD following her time on Strictly with him.
He rejects all allegations while Amanda, 50, is being backed by two other female stars who are helping the BBC probe.
When asked if she'd spoken to Gio since the scandal came to light, Michelle replied: "Yes, we're all really close."
Last week it was revealed furious Strictly fans had started a campaign to boycott this year's series - the BBC show's 20th.
But Michelle insists she hopes loyal fans will continue to tune into the competition.
She added: "I really hope people keep watching because it is such an amazing show.
"It's the best distraction for people when they have troubles in their life and they put on the TV. And it's just such a happy show, it truly is, I would tell people to continue watching, it's a great show."
This series will mark Michelle's third but she confessed she hasn't been told yet whether or not she'll have a celebrity partner this year.
And, despite the scandal threatening to dampen the excitement surrounding Strictly's big milestone, Michelle insisted the team are determined to push on.
She said: "Strictly has been so successful over the last 20 years - we must be doing something right. We're going to just carry on the way we are. And keep entertaining the nation."
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Meanwhile head judge Shirley Ballas confirmed when this year's celebrity line-up will be revealed.
She said: "The celebrities will be announced, I believe, July. I think it's coming up rather soon."
Speaking to HELLO!, Shirley added: "It's going to be absolutely off the chart. Just when you think the show can’t get any better, it does..."
