The Italian star has quit the BBC show and bosses are investigating the claims made against him.
But Shirley, 63, said: "He has always been to me, and I will make that clear, to me, a perfect gentleman.
"My feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation or whatever it is they are doing and the truth will come out.
"I have never, ever experienced any ill will or bad feeling or bad sportsmanship or rudeness from him.
"You know, I can only talk from my own perspective. I have known Giovanni for 10 years. I know he is a hard worker. He wants the people to do the very best that they can do.
This story is from the June 19, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
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This story is from the June 19, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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