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Strictly's Shirley Ballas backs Giovanni Pernice and claims 'the truth will come out' following his shock exit from BBC show amid workplace 'misconduct' probe

For weeks executives have been investigating claims that professional dancer Giovanni, who recently lost his spot on the show, behaved 'abrasively' to his celebrity partner, Amanda.

Sarah James, Executive Producer said in a statement: 'This year Strictly marks two decades of entertaining the nation and we will be back with a bang in September as we celebrate in style with our incredible team both on and off screen.' Despite the furore, head judge Shirley Ballas has stood by the under-fire pro and will join him in hosting a number of dance classes in London next month alongside Anton Du Beke Ms Abbington reportedly met up with Laura Whitmore and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh – also former partners of Pernice – to discuss his so-called bad behaviour.

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