Two Strictly judges finally issue verdict on Giovanni Pernice scandal

Former Strictly champ Giovanni Pernice is currently facing a BBC probe over complaints about his allegedly "harsh" and "militant" training technique. However, now all of the Strictly judges have given their verdicts on the situation.

Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel-Horwood both confirmed that they are standing by the star when they spoke out on social media today to announce they will be joining in with an event for Giovanni's Ballando dance school. No one had been in doubt about Anton du Beke's feelings for him, as the pair are currently on the UK-wide Together tour, which celebrates Anton's friendship with Giovanni through the medium of dance, costume and song.

The action-packed show even sees both dance in time to Bette Midler's Together, Wherever We Go. Meanwhile, Shirley Ballas had broken the alleged "ban" on speaking out by describing close pal Giovanni as a "perfect gentleman".

However, Motsi and Craig had yet to deliver a verdict - until today. The Instagram post advertising a dance class event in September read: "Well… it wouldn’t be fair to only have 2 of the judges would it." (sic)

"So excited to announce that none other than @craigrevel and @motsimabuse will be joining us for an afternoon of dance fun on the 29th of September!" Giovanni is a director and owner of Ballando, which was registered at Companies House in April and was launched to provide dance classes and workshops to the general public.

It is the latest in a series of professional ventures for the Sicilian pro, who also previously launched a unisex perfume brand, Vita.

He has UK tour dates with Anton coming up in 2024 and a solo tour planned for 2025, while an upcoming TV show appearance on Celebrity Hunted is due to be screened later in the year.

However, as many readers will know, he quit Strictly following the announcement that there would be a probe into his behaviour during rehearsals.

Giovanni has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing and said he looks forward to proving his innocence.

Multiple former dance partners have been consulting with a lawyer, while requests have been made for the BBC to review video footage of the time he spent with Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington last year.

Shirley Ballas previously told The Sun that she'd been good friends with Giovanni for a decade and considers him to be a "perfect gentleman".

Only time will tell whether he'll return to Strictly if cleared of wrongdoing, as she explained: "I'm not involved [with the investigation]. I have no idea if he will come back to the show."

However, she did clarify that he will be attending her annual summer bash.