BBC takes drastic action to tackle ‘abuse’ after stringent investigation

The BBC has pledged to tackle ‘abuse’ head-on following the Strictly Come Dancing controversy after several complaints were made against professional dancers.

After twenty series on air, the popular dancing show was embroiled in scandal earlier this year when Amanda Abbington, 50, made a series of damning allegations against her former professional partner, Giovanni Pernice, 34.

An investigation was then launched, with Giovanni released from the line-up and Graziano Di Prima after he was accused of kicking Love Island’s Zara McDermott during training.

Both Italian dancers denied the accusations. A lengthy internal investigation concluded last week in which several complaints against Giovanni were upheld, but he was acquitted of the most serious charges of ‘physical aggression’.

In light of the publication of the findings, after which Giovanni thanked fans for their support, the BBC today launched an investigation into its ‘workplace culture’.

It also comes after the likes of Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh complained about Giovanni’s training methods, while the BBC was also plunged into crisis last year when former newsreader Huw Edwards admitted possessing indecent images of children.

BBC chairman Samir Shah vowed to take tough action against ‘abuse of power’, saying: ‘I cannot emphasize enough my commitment to tackling inappropriate or offensive behaviour.

‘For most of us, working for the BBC is a pleasure, and that should be the case for everyone.

‘No one who works at the BBC should ever feel fear or anxiety while working here.

‘What is clear to me is that we must ensure that the BBC is a safe and welcoming workplace for everyone.’

The BBC’s investigation aims to ‘ensure that the consequences of inappropriate behavior and abuse of power are understood by everyone’.

A report is expected to be published next spring.

After months of researching and reviewing hundreds of hours of training material, the BBC concluded earlier this month that six of the seventeen complaints against Giovanni would be upheld.

These included swearing at Amanda and using ‘derogatory’ language during his feedback.

In addition, the report found that there were two instances of “inappropriate behavior or sexual chatter in the workplace.”

Despite the unprofessional NSFW comments, Giovanni was cleared of allegedly sending Amanda an inappropriate WhatsApp video.

Furthermore, it was concluded that Giovanni was not threatening, intimidating or abusive towards Sherlock star Amanda, who spoke out about the lasting impact her time on Strictly has had.

The TV star has said she now has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has received both death and rape threats against her and her family online.

After the findings were announced, Amanda said she was ‘relieved’ when a cancer scare forced her to quit mid-race.

She said finding the two lumps in her breast, which turned out to be benign, was the “catalyst” she had been waiting for to pull herself out of the toxic situation.

Meanwhile, Giovanni now stars as a professional on the Italian version of Strictly, where he topped the leaderboard and proved to be a hit with the judges.

The TV star – who first joined Strictly in 2015 – spoke out after being cleared of most of the career-threatening allegations against him and admitted it had been a ‘difficult’ time for him.

After Amanda received a formal apology from the BBC, Giovanni – who lifted the glitterball with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 – said he was happy to continue ‘doing what (he) was born to do’, which is ‘entertaining’.

With the support of many former co-stars and old Strictly friends, he then announced a 2025 tour alongside judge and close friend Anton Du Beke, who has publicly supported Giovanni in recent months.

Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 6.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Do you have a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or our ‘Submission of items’ page. would love to hear from you.

MORE: Ralph Fiennes’ ‘Oscar-worthy’ new film Conclave will provoke the Vatican

MORE: Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth are the hottest new on-screen couple who ditched ‘male lust’