BBC statement in full as Strictly Come Dancing bosses thank Amanda Abbington for 'coming forward'

The BBC has apologised to Amanda Abbington after upholding 'some' complaints

The BBC has apologised to Amanda Abbington after upholding "some, but not all" complaints she lodged against her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice. The broadcaster also thanked the Sherlock actress for "coming forward and taking part", adding: "We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.”

After six months of investigating claims made about 33-year-old Giovanni's alleged misconduct, show bosses ruled he was not abusive, threatening or intimidating. They also confirmed there was no aggressive or physical conduct. However Amanda's complaints about verbal bullying were upheld, the Mirror reports.

In a lengthy statement, the BBC said it took "any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously". It said he "complex" review had been "rigorous and robust" and resulted in "some, but not all" of the complaints being upheld.

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The full statement 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.

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

Amanda, 50, quit the dance show last October, citing personal reasons. She went on to claim she'd been left suffering "mild PTSD" after taking part in the show.

Following the investigation findings being made public, she said: "As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do. 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'."

She continued: "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. 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. The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering.

"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'. What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did."

A spokesperson for Giovanni said the dancer was "pleased" that the review "has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour."