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Strictly’s Amanda Abbington ‘set to sue’ BBC for damages following findings of misconduct probe

Strictly’s Amanda Abbington is reportedly “set to sue” the BBC for damages following the findings of their misconduct probe.

The BBC dance competition show has been hit with several scandals in recent months as many professional dancers faced shocking allegations against them.

Giovanni Pernice came under fire for his “militant approach to training” after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington left the show abruptly last year.

Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington

The actress has since accused Giovanni of threatening or abusive behaviour, which he has vehemently denied.

Following the allegations, a probe was launched to investigate the behaviour of the pros during training with their celeb partners.

The report released on Monday concluded that Giovanni was not abusive, did not make threats and was not intimidating.

It also found that there was no aggressive or physical contact between Giovanni and Amanda during their time on the show.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice

However, the BBC apologised to Amanda in the statement after 6 out of the 17 allegations were upheld in the report.

The Sherlock star told The Sun: “I want to take the time to consider the report in detail with my advisers before deciding what happens next.”

The full statement from the broadcaster, following the release of the findings, said: “The BBC has now concluded its review into the complaints made by Amanda Abbington against Giovanni Pernice.”

“We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken.”

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice

“Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards.”

The statement continued: “While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience.”

“It is a great shame if this hasn’t been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show.”

“We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.”

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice

“We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part.”

“We know this would not have been an easy thing to do,” they added.

The report has upheld 6 out of 17 allegation against Giovanni, including instances of the professional dancer using swear words, “belittling” language and giving negative feedback.

It also found there were two moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace,” however, there were found to be made and received consensually as jokes, humour and compliments of Amanda dancing.

Amanda and her pro partner Giovanni during Movie Week

The actress previously made an allegation about Giovanni sending an inappropriate video on Whatsapp, but this was not upheld in the investigation.

They reported they did not find anything sexually inappropriate.

Amanda responded to the report, calling the appology given a “vindication” of her complaints.

In a statement, the 50-year-old said: “My decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.”

Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington

“In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable.”

“I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work. My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation.”

“Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.”

Amanda Abbington

“It’s not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.”

“I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed,” she added.

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