BBC apologises to Amanda Abbington, but source claims the actress is still looking for answers

The scandal involving Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing has taken a new turn. She previously called Pernice ‘nasty’ and opened up about their feud. Her allegations prompted the BBC to launch an investigation into Pernice.

Months after the probe was launched, the BBC issued an apology to Amanda and upheld six of her bullying claims against Pernice. While some may think it's the end of the Amanda-Giovanni drama, there may be more to come.

BBC issues apology to Amanda Abbington

The BBC has issued a formal apology to the actress after investigating her complaints about her Strictly partner, Giovanni Pernice. While some allegations of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, the investigation cleared Pernice—who is now on Italian Strictly—of more serious accusations of physical aggression, reports the BBC.

According to a BBC statement, the production team had tried to address Abbington's concerns during the show, but their efforts were ‘not enough.’

The broadcasting giant said that it took allegations of bullying and harassment ‘very seriously.’ The statement read:

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.

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

We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.

The investigation also revealed inappropriate workplace behaviour, including one instance of sexual banter involving Pernice, which violated BBC policies.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice react to BBC’s review

Despite the apology, Abbington expressed disappointment with how the BBC handled the matter and highlighted the emotional toll the ordeal had taken on her and her family. Abbington described the apology as a ‘vindication’ of her decision to come forward, reports Mirror. She said in a statement:

This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were “not enough”.

For his part, Pernice expressed relief that the most serious allegations, particularly those of physical aggression, were not upheld. He said:

I’m glad the review has finally come to an end. I'm relieved that the allegations that I was threatening and abusive were found not to be true.

The majority of the false allegations have been thrown out by the review. It has been an extremely difficult year, reading story after story and not being able to say anything in return as I respected the integrity of the review, which the BBC asked everyone to do.

He also admitted to getting frustrated with his dance partners because he cares and wants to 'get the best out of his partner'. He added:

...sometimes I do get frustrated. I think everybody around the world does the same thing, it’s called being professional and I love, I love doing that.

You know even now with Bianca, I get frustrated, I think it’s a normal thing but then you get out the best and the results come forward.

Amanda Abbington still looking for answers and may sue BBC

Although the BBC’s apology acknowledged some of her complaints, Abbington allegedly remains dissatisfied with the broadcaster's response and handling of the situation. Reports suggest that the actress is still seeking further action and may take legal steps against the BBC.

Abbington is reportedly considering suing the corporation, claiming that the apology does not address the full extent of the issues she raised. A source told The Sun:

There are still a number of areas which Amanda is unhappy about. The BBC offered Amanda the chance of a meeting and it is something she is going to be doing. It's not a decision she's taken lightly.

Reliving and talking about what happened is very, very difficult and traumatic. But if it means she can get to the bottom of unanswered questions then she will do whatever it takes.

Reports have also emerged suggesting Abbington is contemplating legal action against the BBC, citing a loss of work and the emotional toll of the ordeal. The source added:

She has been through hell and lost work as a result of going public, and is considering taking further action against the BBC for damages and loss of earnings.

Amanda suffered enormously, got formally diagnosed with PTSD, and feels the BBC breached its duty of care guidelines by not protecting her sooner.

It’s hard to put a figure on how much she could expect if things go her way, but it could be up to £300,000.

Read more:

Amanda Abbington: Who is her partner Jonathan Goodwin and what happened to him?

Giovanni Pernice’s ex-partners have reportedly united to discuss his behaviour on Strictly Come Dancing

Shirley Ballas struggling with deteriorating back condition: Will it affect her future on Strictly?

Sources used:

BBC: BBC apologises to Abbington but her claims only partly upheld

Mirror: Amanda Abbington 'to meet BBC bosses' as she 'considers legal action' after Strictly probe

The Sun: Strictly’s Amanda Abbington to SUE BBC for damages after 6 of her bullying claims against Giovanni were upheld by probe