STRICTLY Come Dancing host Tess Daly looked to be having a ball as she partied until 1am with pals.
The TV star, 55, looked stunning in a strapless white dress as she left London celebrity hotspot The Chiltern Firehouse flanked by friends.
The glamorous blonde was all smiles as she linked arms on a balmy night in the capital.
Her laidback demeanour was at odds with the dark cloud engulfing Strictly at the moment in light of the Giovanni Pernice scandal.
The veteran Italian dancer, who stepped away from the show days ago, is facing a misconduct probe after allegations from former dance partners.
Amanda Abbington, 52, who was diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder during her time on the programme, told pals at the weekend that Giovanni stamped on her in training.
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The actress is said to have 'gone nuclear' when the BBC 'backed' Giovanni following her serious complaints.
However, we revealed last week that the Italian has decided not to continue on the programme.
In a further twist, at least one or two other dancers will add their names to the three claimants who are already taking action as part of a Beeb investigation.
The trio includes Laura Whitmore, 39 — Gio’s partner in 2016 — and Abbington.
A source said: “Numerous celebrities, all former partners of Gio’s, have been in contact with one another behind the scenes.
“Three women that we know of have come forward, and taken things a step further with legal action.
Despite the swirling controversy, Giovanni looked relaxed and carefree as he holidayed with his stunning girlfriend Molly Brown in Madeira last week.
The couple, who were staying in a hillside villa with stunning views, were seen openly kissing and cuddling in the street.
An onlooker said: “Gio seems to be having the time of his life with his beautiful girlfriend by his side.
“They haven’t been able to keep their hands off each other.
“At one point, Gio and Molly were drinking glasses of champers and having plenty of pictures taken to capture their romantic break.
“Strictly and the BBC probe seem to be the last things on his mind at the moment.”
They were also spotted cruising along the beautiful coastal roads in a Mini Cooper convertible.
When asked if he felt sad about leaving the BBC dance show or the investigation, Giovanni - in a white top, shorts and sunglasses - told The Sun on Sunday: “You won’t get any quotes from me, sorry.
“I’m on holiday right now.
“I’m not gonna give any comments.
“Enjoy your travel back. Ciao, mate.”
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Previously the pair had a jaunt to Dubai, where they stayed in the £2,500-a-night Atlantis The Royal hotel.
Out but scandal not over
By Leo McKinstry
STRICTLY star Giovanni Pernice has long been one of the golden boys of the BBC.
Ever since he first graced our screens in 2015, he has been a firm favourite with the show’s fans and the corporation’s management.
With his Latin looks, dazzling moves and charisma, the Sicilian stallion made the ratings soar and viewers swoon.
But now, engulfed by serious complaints about his behaviour towards celebrity partners in the show, he has gone from golden boy to Tin Man.
He denies the claims, saying his methods stem from being a “100 per cent perfectionist”.
Despite this, Gio sensationally quit the show on Friday.
But his departure may not be enough to stop an explosive controversy if it becomes clear that the broadcaster was well aware of the concerns but disregarded them, despite having a duty of care to contestants.
The BBC has now launched an investigation.
But having stood by Gio for so long and apparently even having offered him a new contract, this move smacks of desperate, face-saving cynicism.
For all the corporation’s posturing about equality and zero tolerance of bullying, was the impulse in this saga to protect the BBC’s name rather than oppressed women?
If so, it may prove to be a flawed strategy that could now result in the biggest scandal in the show’s 20-year history