Michelle Visage Defends Giovanni Pernice, Calls for 'Strictly All Stars'

Michelle Visage has spoken out in defense of dancer Giovanni Pernice, describing their 2019 "Strictly Come Dancing" partnership as "fiery" and crediting it with their competitive edge. The pair reached Blackpool Week during their season, and Visage stated that they have maintained a friendship.

Visage's comments come after Pernice faced allegations of "vile abuse" from his 2023 celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington. A BBC investigation into the matter cleared Pernice of the most serious accusations, though the report noted that some of his language towards Abbington could be perceived as "belittling" and that he had used profanity during rehearsals. Visage, however, maintained a positive experience, viewing Pernice as "like a little brother" and emphasizing their mutual understanding and respect.

"We had a fiery relationship and I loved it," Visage told the Daily Mail, expressing her wish for "Strictly" bosses to create an "All Stars" series featuring past contestants. "I beg all the commissioners. I'm like, 'listen, guys, it's time to do it.'"

Visage added that she would "dance with him again in a heartbeat" if an "All Stars" season were to materialize, acknowledging that he could not be her partner again due to his departure from the show.

She confirmed she still speaks with Pernice, who is currently living in Rome and participating in the Italian version of the dance competition, "Ballando con le Stelle," which she described as "20 times harder."

Regarding the revamped UK "Strictly" hosting team of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, Visage expressed optimism. "I think they're all great people individually. And I think together they're going to make a great trio," she said. "It's going to be fun. It's going to be different, and people have to get over that it is going to be different, and it'll all fall in line."

Visage, also known for her role as a judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race," has a significant UK following since her appearance on "Celebrity Big Brother" in 2015. She noted that she still maintains contact with several former "Celebrity Big Brother" housemates.

"RuPaul's Drag Race UK," which Visage stars in, was recently dropped by the BBC due to "significant financial pressures." Discussing the current climate for drag performers, Visage emphasized the ongoing need for advocacy. "The job of an ally is to keep fighting and keep pushing forward as our brothers and sisters did before us," she stated. "Queer rights and LGBTQIA plus rights don't stop when regimes come in or people try to take it away or when it's good and the temperature is okay politically. The fight continues until all rights are equal."

In addition to her television work, Visage is hosting a new fashion YouTube series, "Make It Iconic," in partnership with TK Maxx. The series features stylists competing to create outfits within a limited time and budget. "For me, Make It Iconic is a show that's the perfect mix of big personalities, big style, and a bit of competition," Visage said of the series. "It's a fun, high-energy show that celebrates people who express themselves through epic fashion."