BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke breaks silence on Giovanni Pernice's return

dailyrecord.co.uk:

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].