Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice took to social media to share his support for Lauren Oakley and JLS singer JB Gill

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice made a rare comment about the show before Chris McCausland was crowned the winner.

The Italian professional dancer left the BBC competition after he was accused of bullying by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. He was cleared of 10 out of 16 of her allegations when the investigation concluded in September but steered clear of the show for the latest series.

However, before the Glitterball Trophy was lifted by comedian Chris and his partner Dianne Buswell, Giovanni took to his social media to share his support for Lauren Oakley and her dance partner and JLS singer JB Gill. He wroter: “Good luck to this fantastic duo tonight ! but especially to Our dancing queen @laurenmayoakley.”

Lauren was brought in as a replacement for Amy Dowden, who had to depart the series halfway through the competition because of a foot injury. JB was in the final with Chris and Dianne Buswell, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola and Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec after months of live shows and training.

Giovanni Pernice's Instagram Story
Giovanni shared his support for Lauren and JB ( 
Image:
giovannipernice/Instagram)

Giovanni Pernice
The star left the series after bullying accusations ( 

Image:
Instagram)

On Saturday night, comedian Chris and his pro dance partner Dianne Buswell burst into tears and celebrated as they were declared this year’s winners after a close final. Moments after sharing how much the win would mean to him, Chris was announced as this series’ champion.

As the result came in, Chris and Dianne were in complete shock and quickly hugged it out. Left in tears, they were applauded by the judges, crowd and their co-stars as Claudia congratulated them. Their fellow finalists rallied around them and embraced them, as Chris wiped back tears. Dianne was shaking, as the hosts asked Chris about his win.

Tess asked how it felt, with a speechless Chris saying: “It’s astonishing, I don’t know what to say. I thought I would go out in the first week or two. We have lasted and lasted and she has got so much out of me, she deserves this so much.

He added: “This is for her and for everyone out there who thought… who got told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do it. With opportunity and support and determination anything can happen.” A teary Dianne told him it was “for both of them”, screaming: “We did it!”

Comedian Chris has inspired the whole nation with his performances, as the show’s first ever blind contestant. The way he has taken on the show and progressed his dancing skills, thanks to pro dancer Dianne’s help.