The BBC investigation was expected to conclude this week until a dramatic intervention from actress Amanda, who quit the show last year.
The probe into Giovanni Pernice has been thrown into chaos after Amanda Abbington handed in more textsCredit: Pixel8000
The BBC probe was expected to conclude this week until a dramatic intervention from AmandaCredit: Doug Seeburg/News Group Newspapers Ltd
Amanda and Gio on the BBC dance showCredit: PA
Giovanni was on the brink of being cleared by investigators until Amanda handed in more text messages, sources said last night.
They claim further revelations were discussed last week during a meeting with two police officers conducting the probe into the dancer’s behaviour on the BBC show.
A source said: “It has turned the course of the probe.”
The latest disclosures appear to show that Giovanni’s conduct fell short of what is expected from the Strictly pros.
A source said: “The investigation is set to conclude this week but it has been made more difficult by the new disclosure from Amanda.
“It has turned the course of the probe. It seemed Giovanni would be cleared but this new information has changed everything again.
“Giovanni, it seems now, did appear to step over the line of what is acceptable for a BBC representative but more discussions need to be had.
It comes after Amanda, 50, launched a complaint against Giovanni, accusing him of being “abusive, cruel and mean”.
The dancer, 33, who quit the BBC show after nine years in May, has denied any wrongdoing.
It is believed six people were spoken to during the probe, including Laura Whitmore, Giovanni’s dance partner in 2016.
She said last month: “I am not looking for anything, just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again.”
Our source added: “This has been a very complicated investigation. And with Amanda handing over new information it has been drawn out and delayed again.
“The findings will be laid out to the people involved but it’s likely a simple statement will be made by the BBC to the public.”
Amid the investigation, fellow Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima was sacked by the BBC for gross misconduct after it emerged he kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott last year.
The Sun went on to reveal how the BBC received two complaints about him but they were swept aside.
Amanda told The Sun on Sunday last month that she had been sent death threats after speaking out, but wanted to prevent future contestants suffering.
The pair rehearsing on the BBC show…Amanda eventually quit and later complained about Gio’s behaviourCredit: Eroteme
‘Cruel and mean’
She said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
“I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.”
She has also called for the release of rehearsal footage, but says Giovanni has “blocked” it.
A spokesperson for Giovanni refuted the allegation and said: “Giovanni has not seen or blocked the video footage which belongs to the BBC.
“Gio has chosen not to receive it to preserve the integrity of the review.
“The BBC has shared the allegations and there are none, nor any evidence, that resemble Amanda Abbington’s numerous and variable allegations.”
The Sherlock star, who said she suffered from PTSD after her Strictly stint, added: “It’s insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash.
“I know the BBC knew about Giovanni’s behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done.
“It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him. I know what is on those tapes and I’m not frightened of those tapes being seen. It goes way beyond treading on my toe.
“I know what happened and the fact he is blocking the tapes says a lot.”
This year’s line-up features the fewest women in its 20-year history – with insiders blaming the bullying allegations.
It will feature nine men and just six women — while previously there was a 50/50 split.
A TV insider said: “It’s hard to see how the ongoing controversy over bullying could not have affected the recruitment process.”
A spokesperson for Giovanni said last night: “We are cooperating 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.
“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.”
The BBC added: “We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.”
Amanda’s representatives would not comment.
Insiders said the probe did not paint actress Amanda in a good light eitherCredit: Eroteme
