Anton Du Beke has spoken out about his friend Giovanni Pernice, explaining why he believes the professional dancer should make his return to TV.
Strictly Come Dancing judge and professional dancer Anton was speaking to Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid on Monday's edition of Good Morning Britain about his new golf podcast. Anton then briefly chatted about his friend Giovanni Pernice, who did not appear as a dancer on Strictly at the end of last year following accusations about his behaviour during previous series.
Giovanni and Anton are good friends off screen, and have also presented the BBC travel shows Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily and Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain together. They are also taking their stage show Anton & Giovanni: Together Again out on tour from June this year.
While Anton was on the show to talk about his love of golf and the new golfing podcast he is hosting with Sky Sports TV presenter Sarah Stirk, Richard Madeley also asked the professional dancer about his former Strictly colleague.
"I've got a slightly tricky question for you," Richard said, adding, "It's been reported that you personally would welcome Giovanni Pernice back onto Strictly. We know that the BBC upheld six bullying complaints against him, didn't uphold others, but you would welcome him back. That's sticking your head above the parapet. Why would you do that?"
"That's a very good question," Anton replied, while managing not to completely answer it. "I'd prefer to be talking about the golf."
He continued: "I was delighted for Giovanni this autumn because he went over to Italy and did the Strictly Come Dancing there and he won with the brilliant Bianca [actress Bianca Guaccero]. He was delighted to win that and we're going off on tour this summer so I'll be seeing him when we go back out on the road."
"I love being on stage with him and performing with him and I've known him a long time. We've got a wonderful company as well, so all in all, it's a great show."
Last month, Giovanni spoke out about the possibility of making a comeback to the Strictly dancefloor. The dancer took a step back from the show's 2024 series following claims from his 2023 partner, Amanda Abbington, concerning issues with his conduct.
Amanda Abbington had claimed Pernice created a "toxic environment" and levelled "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying" charges at Pernice. The Italian has brushed off any hints of abusive or menacing behaviour and embraced the results of a BBC investigation that upheld "some, but not all" complaints made by the actress.
It was admitted that there weren't any aspects of physical aggression involved, but allegations regarding verbal bullying and harassment seem to have been acknowledged. Speaking about a possible Strictly return, the 34 year old told Heat: "I would love to go back on Strictly but I don't think they're going to have me on again."
He added: “It wasn't the most pleasant situation for me. I'm very happy that it's finished and everybody can move on with their lives."
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