We can all move on from Gio row... plus there's definitely some chemistry going on this year

Shirley Ballas says she welcomes the findings of Strictly Come Dancing's bullying probe - and that the show must now go on.

- JANINE YAQOOB

Speaking for the first time about the bombshell report, Shirley, 64, said it was vital celebs' concerns are listened to.

The BBC investigation was sparked by claims from actress Amanda Abbington that dance partner Giovanni Pernice had been "abusive and cruel".

It upheld six of her 16 claims but not the 10 more serious accusations.

Head judge Shirley - who has known Giovanni for a decade - was asked about the findings during a book Q&A session on Tuesday night.

In an apparent show of sympathy for Amanda, she said: "I don't condone bullying - I've been through it myself.

"So if things aren't right or need addressing, I feel for the person that wants them addressed.

"And I think that's a big, important part that everybody gets to say their thing. But now the investigation is over and everybody can move on."

Shirley said any extra safeguarding for celebrities joining the show could only be a good thing, as she heaped praise on the show for caring for her.

"The eight years I've been on the show, it's been great safeguarding," she said. "I've always felt taken care of when the bullying got really bad.

"I was getting hand-delivered letters and one person was drawing a coffin saying 'Die, you b***h. Strictly were 100% supportive, so my experience on the show has been fantastic.