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A STRICTLY Come Dancing judge has shown his support for Giovanni Pernice after seemingly 'breaking ranks'.

Since three of Giovanni's former celeb partners filed official complaints around his conduct in the dance studio, a cloak of silence has fallen over the pro cast of the long-running BBC series.

The judges and pros have kept silent amid the allegations made against Giovanni
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The judges and pros have kept silent amid the allegations made against GiovanniCredit: PA
Anton Du Beke has now broken his silence to show his support for Gio
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Anton Du Beke has now broken his silence to show his support for GioCredit: BBC
The pair are going on a two month tour together from mid-June
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The pair are going on a two month tour together from mid-JuneCredit: X/STheatreCo

However, dancer-turned judge Anton Du Beke has clearly got his friend's back, with a live tour of them performing together beginning in just three weeks' time.

'Anton and Giovanni: Together - The Live Tour' kicks off on June 14 at the Beck Theatre in Hayes, West London, with the pair dancing around the UK for the following two months.

The pair will end the run on July 21 at Salford's The Lowry.

Keeping in line a vow Giovanni made after being partnered with deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021, the Italian star has ensured some of the performance will have BSL interpreters.

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Away from Strictly, Giovanni and Anton have built up a reputation as a duo, even landing a travel show together, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily, which aired on the BBC earlier this year.

In the travel show, Giovanni took Anton to his hometown of Sicily tto show him the sights and local communities.

The tour comes as the BBC probe into complaints made against Giovanni about his behaviour and treatment of celeb partners

Three names have come forward, with Amanda Abbington and Laura Whitmore believed to be two of the stars speaking out against him.

Giovanni has since quit the series in light of the allegations made against him, but has vowed to clear his name.

Korina Travis, a professional dancer who has worked with Giovanni in the past, has also spoken out against him.

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice drop huge hint about future of BBC travel show during series finale

She said of Giovanni: "I've known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me.

"I will not speak about my experiences with him but I'm glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is.

"I'll leave it at that."

But Giovanni has insisted he has done nothing wrong, thanking fans for their support in his one and only official statement.

The message, which was posted on Instagram, read: "To my dear fans,

"You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."

Strictly's Giovanni Pernice sends fans wild as he strips to a towel in his new show with Anton Du Beke

"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive," he added.

"No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

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"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."

He signed off: "Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!"

Giovanni's Strictly Partnerships and Rankings

Giovanni has created some memorable moments on the show - landing in the finale four times and winning once. Here are all his partners and how well they performed in the competition

2015 - Georgia May Foote: placed 2nd 

2016 - Laura Whitmore: placed 9th 

2017 - Debbie McGee: placed 2nd 

2018 - Faye Tozer: played 2nd 

2019 - Michelle Visage: placed 7th 

2020 - Ranvir Singh: placing 5th 

2021 - Rose Ayling-Ellis: winning series 

2022 - Richie Anderson: placing 14th 

2023 - Amanda Abbington: withdrew due to injury

The pair have formed a working partnership away from Strictly
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The pair have formed a working partnership away from StrictlyCredit: Rex
Three of Gio's former celeb partners - including Amanda Abbington - have made formal complaints to the BBC
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Three of Gio's former celeb partners - including Amanda Abbington - have made formal complaints to the BBCCredit: PA
The duo will begin their tour on May 14 in Hayes, West London
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The duo will begin their tour on May 14 in Hayes, West LondonCredit: instagram
The fan favourite appeared on the show for seven years
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The fan favourite appeared on the show for seven yearsCredit: PA
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