The show judge was quizzed over his thoughts on Giovanni Pernice returning to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom
Anton Du Beke was left slightly squirming as he was quizzed over his thoughts on Giovanni Pernice returning to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom.
The professional dancer was appearing on Good Morning Britain on Monday (February 24) to chat about his latest venture which is quite different to his judging role on the hit dance show.
Anton has said he is interested in getting more women involved in golf through his new podcast Putt And Strut. The dancer, 58, and his co-host, Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk, will be joined by a host of celebrity guests for the audio show, including Scottish tennis coach Judy Murray and Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt.
But as Anton was chatting with Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid on GMB with Sarah, the show's hosts couldn't help but ask him about his friend Giovanni, who did not appear as a dancer on Strictly at the end of last year following a review into his behaviour behind the scenes.
He was cleared of the most serious allegations. The BBC apologised to Sherlock star Amanda Abbington as they upheld some of her complaints against her former dance partner during the 2023 series.
Following his Strictly exit, Giovanni returned to Italy and was recently named winner of the Italian version of Strictly and Dancing with the Stars, Ballando Con Le Stelle, with his celebrity partner and real-life girlfriend Bianca Guaccero.
Putting Anton on the spot, Richard said: "I've got a slightly tricky question for you... 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 replied. He slightly giggled before admitting: ""I'd prefer to be talking about the golf." Trying to move things on, he said: "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.
"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." He added: "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."
It comes after Giovanni said he "would love to" return to Strictly. However, he doesn't think producers want him back. He told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "I think they have closed the book on that and moved on. I would love to go back to 'Strictly' because 'Strictly' changed my life. It is a massive show, but I don’t think they’re going to have me back. They’re not.
"I’m upset as well. It’s been a great, great, great ten years. I achieved everything. But it’s not my choice, it’s not my decision. Everybody has moved on. Maybe I might come back in a few years like Alijaz. I think this is the path we take. And don’t forget, I’m the reigning Italian champion."
