Craig Revel Horwood has shared his thoughts on the ongoing feud between pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and former Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington.
The pair have hit headlines in recent weeks after it was reported Abbington was "demanding" footage from their time rehearsing together last year as she sought legal advice.
Abbington has since spoken out and told The Sun on Sunday she's since been diagnosed with "mild PTSD" following her Strictly stint for "several reasons".
The Sherlock actor has claimed she's received "death threats" as a result of the feud hitting headlines while the BBC has reportedly decided it will not be investigating Pernice.
Pernice has spoken out amid the reports as he heads on a nationwide tour and he's "thanked" fans for their support - resulting in shows of support from Strictly judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas.
Now Revel Horwood has waded into the row and branded the Strictly pro dancers as the "backbone of the show" before lauding: "The pros not only have to be creative and be able to be good choreographers...
Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington left Strictly just a few weeks in last year
GETTY
"They also have to be psychiatrists, doctors, they have to be nurses, they have to be welfare guidance people.
"It’s not just teaching dance," Revel Horwood said to The Sun ahead of the Strictly live tour, throwing his backing behind Pernice.
Mabuse and Ballas had also backed Pernice by "liking" his thank you post on social media but Ballas went one step further this week.
She said on ITV's Lorraine: "I’ve known Giovanni for many, many years and he's an absolutely splendid teacher.
"My only experience of him is that of an absolute gentleman. He serves the show well and he gives 100 percent.
"They’re tough shows. When you sign up for a show like that you kind of know what you're getting in for, it's been on screen for 20-odd years."
Fellow judge Anton du Beke is yet to speak out publicly about the feud but he is joining Pernice for a nationwide joint tour in the summer.
Dancing on Ice winner and fellow TV pro Alex Murphy also told GB News exclusively why she was throwing her support behind Pernice while his former partner Debbie McGee took to social media to back the Italian dancer.
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Craig Revel Horwood has been on Strictly since the start
BBC
Abbington, meanwhile, has received her fair share of support amid the ongoing drama, including from former Strictly competitor Susanna Reid.
Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain earlier this month, Reid "alluded" to the fact Abbington must "have a reason" to demand the footage from training.
This was echoed by her co-host Richard Madeley who too mused over why Abbington would make such a demand.