Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood has defended Giovanni Pernice amid his reported 'feud' with former dance partner Amanda Abbington.
The judge, 59, has praised the show's professional dancers as being 'the backbone of the show,' after it was reported that BBC bosses were backing Giovanni.
Craig, together with fellow Strictly Come Dancing judges Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas, and Otsi Mabuse, presided over the most recent season of the BBC’s long-running ballroom dance competition.
The Australian-British dancer appeared to extend his support for pro Giovanni amid the ongoing controversy.
Without naming anyone, Craig told The Sun that the show would not be possible without its team of pro dancers, who have to do so much more than simply choreograph the weekly routines.
He explained: "The pros not only have to be creative and be able to be good choreographers, they also have to be psychiatrists, doctors, they have to be nurses, they have to be welfare guidance people", before adding: "It’s not just teaching dance."
Amanda, 51, left the popular contest last October due to "personal reasons", after whispers of a 'feud' with her pro partner.
The BBC has apparently received a request from Amanda nearly three months later for clips of her practising with Giovanni, reports Mirror Online.
Amanda, who is famous for her role in Sherlock alongside Martin Freeman, has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since her time on the show, according to reports.
Strictly head judge, Shirley Ballas also extended her support for Giovanni in the wake of a rumoured falling-out between him and Amanda.
During an appearance on Lorraine, the 63-year-old praised Giovanni as an “absolute gentleman” and a “splendid teacher”, adding that “sometimes partnerships just don’t work”.
Shirley told host Lorraine Kelly: "I have known Giovanni for many, many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher.
"My only ever experience with him is that of an absolute gentleman. He serves the show well and gives 100 percent, but you know...".
Lorraine replied: "Sometimes partnerships just don’t work, we see that everywhere, on TV, everywhere."
Shirley continued: "But you know all these shows, Strictly, they're tough shows. So when you sign up for a show like that you kinda know what you are getting into, it's been on the screen for 20 odd years, it's quite difficult to do the show."
