“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.