‘It’s not fair’ says Peter Andre as he leaps to Strictly’s Janette and Giovanni Pernice’s defence after bullying claims
PETER Andre got emotional as he defended his former Strictly co-stars amid ‘abuse’ allegations on the show.
The Mysterious Girl singer competed on the show alongside dance partner Janette Manrara in 2015.
The 51-year-old singer fears “this is going too far” as he insisted she and her under-fire colleagues Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke should be “cut a break”.
It’s after Paralympian Will Bayley has taken up a complain against the BBC – claiming a jump for the show was branded “rubbish” in rehearsals by pro partner Janette — before he severely hurt his leg trying to perform it better.
In a new video posted on social media, Peter said: “You know what, I do feel as someone that was on Strictly I should stick up for some of these people because I was there.
“And I know it was only one series that I was on but people like Janette Manrara who are the nicest, most beautiful people and they’re getting dragged into things like this.”
He added: “Of course if someone did something bad and someone hurt somebody, I can understand that, of course that’s unacceptable.
“But because I was there and people like Giovanni, they were always a gentleman to me , and Anton – they were lovely to me and not just me, but the way I saw them with people.
“And I think that when Janette’s name got dragged in too, I’m like come on guys she’s beautiful and Aljaž..”
Peter continued: “Yes of course if there’s any misconduct that they have to find out, but I just think they’re dragging everyone’s names in and I just don’t think it’s fair.
“That’s just my personal opinion. I think that some of them just need to be cut a break.”
Graziano Di Prima was sacked over claims he hit, spat and kicked his celebrity dance partner Zara McDermott.
It followed Giovanni‘s suspension from the show amid an investigation into allegations of misconduct made by Amanda Abbington.
Dancer-turned-judge Anton Du Beke has also been dragged into the row, after his former dance partner Laila Rouass complained about language he used in 2009. He has apologised.
Peter added in his video caption: “My thoughts… Although I don’t know what happens in everybody’s training room I can only speak about what I saw and experienced.
“It is however important that people speak up if they feel that something was wrong and important that they are heard.
“When Janette and others got dragged into it too, I couldn’t help but wonder if this is going too far before any investigation.”
He was thanked by his former pro partner in the comments.
Janette replied: “Love you so much @peterandre.”
Yesterday, BBC boss Tim Davie apologised for the alleged abusive behaviour, admitting he was “disappointed” by the complaint.
The director general Davie said: “I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive.”
Drastic measures to safeguard contestants were announced last week after executives rushed to toughen up the show’s duty of care rules.
This included introducing chaperones into training rooms.
