Home Entertainment Strictly judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse finally show their support for embattled Giovanni Pernice after BBC bosses ‘banned them from discussing bullying row’

Strictly judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse finally show their support for embattled Giovanni Pernice after BBC bosses ‘banned them from discussing bullying row’

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Craig Revel Horwood, 59, and Motsi Mabuse, 43, have now shown their support for Giovanni Pernice by taking part in his dance classes after remaining silent about his dating scandal.

The remaining Strictly Come Dancing judges have come out in support of Giovanni Pernice.

Craig Revel Horwood, 59, and Motsi Mabuse, 43, have now shown their support by taking part in her dance classes after Shirley Ballas, 63, and Anton Du Beke, 57, previously did the same.

Announcing the event on social media, the post read: ‘Well… it wouldn’t be fair to have just 2 of the judges, would it?

‘We’re so excited to announce that none other than @craigrevel and @motsimabuse will be joining us for an afternoon of dancing fun on September 29th!’

The BBC has launched an investigation after the dancer was accused of “threatening and abusive behaviour” while working on the show last year.

Craig Revel Horwood, 59, and Motsi Mabuse, 43, have now shown their support for Giovanni Pernice by taking part in his dance classes after remaining silent over his bullying scandal.

While Giovanni's conduct is being investigated, he has continued to teach and host regular workshops for the public through the Ballando dance school (pictured at last month's workshop).

While Giovanni’s conduct is being investigated, he has continued to teach and host regular workshops for the public through the Ballando dance school (pictured at last month’s workshop).

Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, 50, was paired with Pernice but left the BBC One show midway through the series in 2023 citing “personal issues”.

It was later revealed that he had been diagnosed with PTSD after his appearance on the show.

Ms Abbington recently claimed the show gave her PTSD and reportedly demanded footage of their rehearsals together.

Since then, other celebrity contestants including Laura Whitmore, 39, Ranvir Singh, 46, and an unknown male contestant have also come forward to lodge complaints about his behaviour.

While it has been claimed BBC bosses have banned the cast from discussing the “bullying discussion”, Ms Ballas, the show’s head judge, has previously spoken out in support of Pernice saying “the truth will come out”.

Earlier this month, Ms Ballas and Mr Du Beck showed their support for Mr Pernice by teaching at his Ballando dance workshop.

Speaking at the event, Ms Ballas said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be at the workshop and Mr Pernice added: “I’ve known him for 10 years and we’re good friends.”

Shirley gave the Italian professional a “huge thank you” for inviting her to his workshop and continued: “I will be a person who will be by his side forever. With him, what you see is what you get.”

The professional dancer, 33, is at the centre of a bullying row following allegations of misconduct made by fellow Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington (pictured) and two other women.

The professional dancer, 33, is at the centre of a bullying row following allegations of misconduct made by fellow Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington (pictured) and two other women.

A new dance class with Ms Mabuse and Mr Revel Horwood has not yet gone on sale but is due to take place in late September in London.

A new dance class with Ms Mabuse and Mr Revel Horwood has not yet gone on sale but is due to take place in late September in London.

The upcoming event, organised by Ms Ballas and Mr Du Beke together with Mr Pernice, is already sold out by the end of the month.

The new dance class with Ms Mabuse and Mr Revel Horwood is not yet on sale but is due to take place in late September in London.

Fans were quick to comment on the new announcement, with one saying: “It’s fabulous to see the other two judges supporting Gio.”

Another said: “I am very happy that Giovanni is receiving support from all the judges.”

Their support comes after Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th anniversary special at Buckingham Palace was cancelled this weekend due to the ongoing investigation into Pernice’s behaviour.

According to The Sun, the idea has been scrapped, despite discussions with the royal household, due to “logistical problems”, “scheduling clashes” and the investigation into misconduct of Giovanni Pernice, which was also a “factor” in the decision.

Strictly judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke had already shown their support for Giovanni at his dance workshop (pictured) and now Craig and Motsi have followed suit.

Strictly judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke had already shown their support for Giovanni at his dance workshop (pictured) and now Craig and Motsi have followed suit.

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