Strictly star breaks BBC ban on talking about Giovanni and says she ‘hopes people still watch’ after boycott threats
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.”
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.”
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…”
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”.