Last month show bosses confirmed the Italian dancer will not return for its forthcoming 20th anniversary series following claims of abusive or threatening behaviour, which he denies. Pernice previously said in a statement that he is co-operating fully with an ongoing BBC investigation and that he looks “forward to clearing my name”. Appearing on the Mirror’s Invite Only podcast, Ballas said she cannot comment as to whether the allegations will affect future contestants signing up, but said Pernice has been “very good” to her in the time she has known him.
She said: “I’ve known Giovanni for 10 years, I can say that, and I can just say that he’s been very, very good to me. Very, very good to me. “I’m not a person that believes in gossip, I tend not to believe everything I read, and I can suggest that to people because people have written things about me that are just not true.
.. “So I don’t believe gossip but the truth prevails, so we’ll see where it goes.
“I can only talk about the experiences I have, I don’t know other people’s experiences...
“But my mum’s always been a huge fan (of his), and he’s always been good to my family.” Discussing whether she thinks the allegations against Pernice will affect people’s view of the show, she said: “We’ve got some of the best professionals on our show. “And they’re caring, and they’re kind, and they’re loving, and they’re giving and they give all of themselves, because our professi.
