Debbie McGee issues fierce Giovanni Pernice statement after being called into investigation

Strictly Come Dancing has been at the centre of many a scandal since last year, sparked by actress Amanda Abbington’s accusations against dancer Giovanni Pernice.

Former ballet dancer and Strictly star McGee, 65, shared her thoughts on being paired with Pernice back in 2017, as well as the probe into the claims being made.

Pernice, 33, left the show over allegations of “bullying,” which he has vehemently denied. As part of the same BBC probe into the show, dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, was also axed.

Speaking to GB News, TV and stage performer McGee addressed the controversy, stating of the upcoming series: “I think it will be as wonderful as it’s always been.

“It’s an uplifting show, isn’t it? It’s got the glamour, everything. There’s nothing to make you sad in it.

“I had the most amazing time. Giovanni was my partner, and it’s still a life changing experience. And at that time in my life as well, it was a year after Paul, my late husband, had died.

“It was a tough, tough time, and it just totally brought me out of all my grief. And everyone on the programme is just so lovely, and it’s like a big family.”

On Pernice, she continued: “And my experience of Giovanni, I know other people have said they’ve had a different experience, but mine was he really looked after me in my grief, and we had a great time. Great memories.

“I’m sure that they will do [the investigation] very thoroughly, and the fact that it’s taking quite a long time, is that they’re really going into it to make sure they make the right decision at the end of it.

“And I think lots of people will be invited to give their experience of Strictly, so I just hope at the end of the day I don’t want anyone to be bullied, I’m really against all of that, but we are all different.

“People can react differently to different circumstances, or you just don’t have a chemistry with somebody that somebody else might have a chemistry.

“So I don’t know what went on, but I’m sure that they will go into it, and they are in a lot of depth before making any decisions.”

Revealing that she has shared her experience, she continued: “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say or not, but yes, I have [been asked to take part in the investigation].

“So I you know, it’s all very secret, and I’m sure everybody else who’s ever danced with him and people that have worked alongside him would have been asked to give evidence to so I just hope it all turns out well for all parties.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

National Television Awards: Fans outraged as post office scandal victim makes admission: ‘Nothing has changed’Queen legend Brian May finally ‘fulfils dream’ as he marks huge announcement: ‘Couldn’t be more proud’ITV National Television Awards viewers fume as Clarkson’s Farm ‘robbed’ of award: ‘How?’

This year’s Strictly launch show is set to air this weekend, with the celebrity couples paired with the professional dancers.

The 2024 line-up has seen some backlash, particularly due to Love Island star Tasha Ghouri’s signing.

Some have argued the reality star is a trained dancer and that she has an “unfair advantage” over the other contestants.