Shirley Ballas has been declared love by one of her former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars who she says she is 'beyond proud' of.
The hit dance show's head judge was among those to attend the final night of Giovanni Pernice's mammoth tour, his first stint around the country since he wasn't invited back to take part in the BBC One dance contest last year.
There was an investigation into the professional dancer's behaviour on the show was conducted before 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.
Giovanni then went on to be crowned the winner of the Italian version of the BBC One dance contest and America's Dancing with the Stars alongside actress and singer Bianca Guaccero, who he is now in a relationship, following the show's final back in December.
It was then over the bank holiday weekend that Giovanni's mammoth tour, The Last Dance, came to an end, marking what he previously described as his last tour - for now.
Shirley was among those to see the final show at the London Palladium and taking to Instagram, she shared pictures and videos of Giovanni and his cast on stage before reuniting with him behind-the-scenes.
Alongside the post, she wrote on Instagram: "Amazing and beyond the stars… Gio set the night on fire last night @giovannipernice. Congratulations on a superb closing show to if last night is anything to go by a remarkable last dance tour.
"So many fabulous numbers, dancers, singers to which all were revived with standing ovations. You entertain, you inspire and you bring the house down. I only hope when I do my one night at the Palladium that I could wish for a reception like that. Truly amazing."
She added: "Thank you to my dear student @dianellinaa for coming with me. Beautiful to spend the evening with you. Love you. X Congratulations and well done my friend @giovannipernice I’m beyond proud of you."
Giovanni was quick to respond to the post, writing: "and thank you for your endless support !! Love you lots!!" to which Shirley simply said back: "always here."
