Strictly Giovanni Pernice's mask slips as true Amanda feelings exposed in shock interview

was "fighting to balance his emotions" in his gruelling interview, an expert has confirmed.

On Tuesday (October 22), the professional dancer, 34, gave his first live TV interview since he was axed from Strictly Come Dancing. The Italian ballroom star joined stand-in host on as he addressed the explosive scandal.

He faced claims of bullying from his former co-star , which sparked an investigation by the BBC. The inquiry upheld six of the 17 complaints made by the former Sherlock star.

The BBC later issued an apology to Amanda, while Giovanni, who vehemently denied the allegations, expressed relief that the investigation cleared him of any abuse claims.

Speaking on Lorraine, Giovanni began: "Strictly is a show that puts two people in a room. I didn't personally know Amanda and Amanda didn't know me. It's very concerning the fact that even if it's like that after three days, you've already complained.

"First of all, the investigation didn't find me a bully, and it's important to put things straight. Bullying is a big word. There's a difference between bullying and caring about what you do. It's very different."

Many fans were divided by the dancer's interview, with some pointing out how much he smiled throughout the tense discussion.

Now, has lifted the lid on how the star really felt in the hot seat. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the expert told us that his signature smile may act like a coping mechanism whenever the dancer is stressed.

She explained: "There are certain things that need to be factored in when making any judgements about Giovanni from his body language on Lorraine.

"His smile is probably the most important. Giovanni has been dancing most of his life and for a dancer the smile is non-negotiable. It is there when they are winning or losing, and it gets even wider if they are injured or coping with upset.

"It's their fall-back or go-to gesture and when they're under pressure it appears like an air bag in a car."

The body language guru explained how this impacted his interview, adding: "Giovanni's smile of greeting was tempered, a closed-lip asymmetric smile that then widened and contracted as he nodded as though he was fighting to balance it and his emotions."

Judi went on to explain how his pose suggested that he was nervous and uncomfortable with this line of questioning. She added: "His pose suggested tension as he sat forward in his seat, swallowing, wiping his mouth and clearing his throat before he did so.

"His metronomic nodding during the questions and his attempts to interrupt suggested a keenness to speak. When he did so, he used two-handed gestures with cupped hands and spread fingers that echoed that desire to explain.

"When he clasped his hands again though, there appeared to be some nervous-looking finger-picking." Towards the end of the interview, Christine asked what he would say to Amanda after everything they went through, which Judi believes saw him become "more self-protective."

She argued: "Asked what he might say to Amanda, Giovanni looked more self-protective, sitting back and crossing his legs in a barrier as he stroked his mouth and beard. He even performed a tongue-poke that can suggest rejection of an idea or a person."

You can check out Judi's work