Anton Du Beke has publicly backed his friend Giovanni Pernice for a return to television.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain with hosts Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid, the Strictly Come Dancing judge discussed his new golf podcast before addressing questions about Pernice, who was absent from the last series of Strictly following allegations about his conduct in prior seasons.
Anton and Giovanni, who have a close off-screen friendship and have co-hosted BBC travel shows together, are also preparing for their upcoming tour “Anton and Giovanni: Together Again” starting in June.
While primarily on the show to talk about his passion for golf and his podcast with Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk, Madeley broached the subject of Pernice’s potential comeback, reports the Mirror.
“I’ve got a slightly tricky question for you,” Richard said, continuing: “It’s been reported that you personally would welcome Giovanni Pernice back onto Strictly. We know that the BBC upheld six bullying complaints against him, didn’t uphold others, but you would welcome him back. That’s sticking your head above the parapet. Why would you do that?.
“That’s a very good question,” Anton began, sidestepping a complete response. “I’d prefer to be talking about the golf.”
He went on to express his joy for Giovanni: “I was delighted for Giovanni this autumn because he went over to Italy and did the Strictly Come Dancing there and he won with the brilliant Bianca [actress Bianca Guaccero]. He was delighted to win that and we’re going off on tour this summer so I’ll be seeing him when we go back out on the road.
“I love being on stage with him and performing with him and I’ve known him a long time. We’ve got a wonderful company as well, so all in all, it’s a great show.”
Giovanni addressed speculation about his return to Strictly last month. He stepped away from the series in 2024 after allegations arose from his 2023 dance partner, Amanda Abbington, accusing him of fostering a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”.
The Italian dancer has firmly denied any allegations of threatening or abusive behaviour and welcomed the outcomes of a BBC inquiry that upheld “some, but not all” of the complaints lodged by the actress.
While physical aggression was not a factor in the situation, verbal bullying and harassment reportedly occurred. Seann Walsh expressed his thoughts about returning to Strictly: “I would love to go back on Strictly but I don’t think they’re going to have me on again.”
He continued, “It wasn’t the most pleasant situation for me. I’m very happy that it’s finished and everybody can move on with their lives.”