SHIRLEY Ballas has spoken out about the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing following Giovanni Pernice’s exit.

Giovanni, 33, quit Strictly Come Dancing shortly before it was revealed he’s facing a BBC probe over allegations of misconduct from former partners including Amanda Abbington.

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Shirley has insisted the ‘show must go on’ following Giovanni’s exitCredit: PA Wire

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Gio quit Strictly shortly before damning allegations about his conduct were made

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Shirley and Gio have known each other for 10 yearsCredit: Instagram
Now Shirley, 63, has assured fans the team is hard at work preparing for the 20th series despite the ongoing scandal.

Speaking to The Sun at the TRIC Awards, she said: “You know what the show goes on…

“It will go on. Its a brilliant series this year – all the boys and girls will be getting ready with all their different numbers.”

It was recently revealed that furious fans have started a campaign to boycott the show after Gio’s exit.

But Shirley isn’t worried. She added: “Everyone has a choice what they want to do.”

Gio faces a BBC probe after his former celebrity dance partner Amanda, 50, said she had PTSD following her time on Strictly with him.

He has rejected the allegations while while Amanda is being backed by two other female stars.

Amanda, who has quit social media, recently revealed she had been targeted by Gio supporters in the wake of him leaving the show, telling us: “I’m very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an ­indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.”

She has accused Giovanni of being “nasty” and “awful” to her, which the dancer has steadfastly denied.

Meanwhile Shirley is clearly focusing on the upcoming series and recently teased fans that the celebrity line-up will be revealed soon.

Strictly star Michelle Tsiakkas breaks BBC ban on talking about Giovanni Pernice and says she ‘hopes people still watch’ after fans’ boycott threat
She said: “The celebrities will be announced, I believe, July. I think it’s coming up rather soon.”

Speaking to HELLO!, Shirley added: “It’s going to be absolutely off the chart. Just when you think the show can’t get any better, it does…”

Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline

October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.

Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”

Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.

Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.

November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.

January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.

The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.

The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting

March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.

Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.

The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.

May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses

He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday

The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.