A decision on the Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice Strictly Come Dancing probe is expected by the end of next week, according to a new report.
The Sherlock actress, 50, has made several accusations against her Strictly Come Dancing partner, Giovanni Pernice, claiming his teaching methods were "unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean." Pernice has strongly denied all allegations.
The corporation has enlisted former Met officers to oversee the inquiry, ensuring a thorough investigation that includes reviewing evidence like text messages and WhatsApp conversations.
A source told the MailOnline: “They've spoken to witnesses and re-interviewed people who have given evidence as part of the investigation.
“The investigators believe they've seen and reviewed everything that they need to and are in a position to make a final decision on what happened.”
The insider close to the investigation also claimed that all evidence has now been presented to Pernice, 33, and his legal team, while Abbington has also had the opportunity to share her side. Both parties are now awaiting the BBC’s final decision.
The source also alleged that the BBC is unlikely to share a “warts and all” account of what they've discovered, as much of the detailed information could remain confidential, especially if there’s a possibility of further legal action.
The insider added: “The investigation has been extensive, taking several months to complete but the public release is expected to be concise, with key details kept private.”
A BBC spokesperson told outlet: “As we have said before, we will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.”
The Standard has contacted the BBC for comment.
The controversy first came to light in January when Abbington accused her Strictly partner Pernice of abuse after she unexpectedly quit the show just five weeks in.
Abbington previously claimed there are 50 hours of video footage – from cameras she alleges were installed after she raised concerns during her first week – which Pernice “doesn’t want anyone to see” but have been reviewed by the BBC.
In an interview with her former Strictly co-star Krishnan Guru-Murthy for Channel 4 News, she said: “It's out there. There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I'm not the one who's blocking it.
"I've said anyone can watch it, but he [Giovanni] doesn't want anyone to see it, which is quite telling if he's got nothing to hide.
"Yes, it's bullying and it's aggressive behaviour, there were other things that were very upsetting, that you manage in the room at the time, because you're a woman, and you have to manage those things because otherwise, what do you do?"
Pernice has vehemently denied the claims. A spokesman for the dancer previously said: “We are co-operating fully with the BBC’s review process.
“All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes. We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed.
“As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us. They do not resemble Amanda’s latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form.
“Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and, having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.
“We would urge people to wait for the review’s conclusion and not to pay heed to these very serious and defamatory allegations that have no evidence in support of them.”
In July professional dancer Graziano Di Prima left the show after allegations about his treatment of Love Island star Zara McDermott in 2023.
Paralympian Will Bayley also revealed he suffered a serious injury while performing a jump during Strictly rehearsals in 2019, and claimed he was shown “no duty of care”.
Last month the broadcaster announced new measures to “strengthen welfare and support” on the show, including a chaperone who would be present during training room rehearsals “at all times”.
