Ruth Langsford backs Giovanni Pernice amid Strictly row and BBC investigation – after Amanda Abbington breaks down
RUTH Langsford appears to back Giovanni Pernice amid the Strictly controversy and BBC investigation as she gushed about his and Anton Du Beke's live show Together.
The Loose Women star took a night off from her divorce as she attended the duo's show in Guildford on Thursday night.
Sharing a clip of their performance to her Instagram Stories, Ruth wrote: "Fantastic dancers, fantastic singers, fantastic band."
The TV star then went backstage as she posed for a sweet snap with her Strictly Come Dancing 2017 partner Anton.
She captioned it: "Thanks for inviting me partner. If one of the dancers need a day off you know where I am."
Anton and Giovanni's tour is proving to be a success, despite the latter being cut from the next series of Strictly.
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It follows Giovanni's former professional partner Amanda Abbington who said she had PTSD after dancing with him on the show.
She is being backed by two other female stars – who are helping the Beeb with the probe.
Giovanni has strongly denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.
Last week he released a statement rejecting all claims.
He said: “I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.
"As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
"I’m so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support - your messages and love mean so very much to me.
"I will hopefully see many of you very soon.”
Yesterday (June 19), Amanda was seen looking tearful in a London street amid her Strictly battle with the Sicilian dancer.
The actress quit Strictly in 2023 just weeks in after she missed a week due to undisclosed medical reasons.
A 'feud' between Amanda and Giovanni was revealed after claims they were clashing behind the scenes.
Amanda has since opened up about her sudden departure from the show which led to death threats from vile trolls.
She told us: “I’m very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.”
Earlier this month, the Sherlock star quit social media after it was confirmed Giovanni won't be returning to Strictly this year.
Many of Giovanni's co-stars have been silent on the scandal, but he has received public support from head judge Shirley Ballas.
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She said: “He has always been to me, and I will make that clear, to me…a perfect gentleman.
"I know he is a hard worker. He wants the people to do the very best that they can do.”
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".
