Amanda Abbington claims there's 'significant reason' some Giovanni Pernice complaints not upheld

Amanda Abbington made new accusations in an interview with Victoria Derbyshire

Actress Amanda Abbington has spoken out following the conclusion of the BBC's internal investigation into her allegations concerning her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice's conduct during rehearsals. In a new interview, the Sherlock star made additional accusations about Pernice's behaviour.

Speaking with Victoria Derbyshire, Abbington suggested that she "wouldn't be sitting here now" if the BBC had taken further action. Ms Derbyshire also referred to a previous statement from Pernice, saying he told Newsnight: "We are unable to comment any further and the BBC has asked both parties to respect confidentiality."

Pernice has strongly denied all past claims made by Abbington.

The actress, who has two children with fellow actor Martin Freeman, says she has received an increase in death threats against her and her teenage daughter following the disclosure of the BBC report. Addressing what she perceives as misrepresentations of her character, Abbington insisted that it is not in her nature to lodge complaints.

Regarding the BBC investigation, she told Newsnight: "It's nice. It's a relief that they've apologised," reports the Mirror.

She acknowledged that almost half of her complaints were upheld but claimed there is a "significant reason" why some were not, which she says her team will investigate further.

Amanda told Victoria that she's unable to publicly share the reason right now but hopes to do so eventually, saying: "There were some very serious things that went on and they were upheld by the BBC."

Amanda described this period as "one of the worst years of my life", adding: "I've been through a lot - women go through a lot - but it has been a relentless time of my life. I have had to deal with horrible things that continue to happen for just complaining... not even complaining as I don't like that word. Just for reporting what I deemed and other people before me deemed as bad behaviour."

She discussed the complaints that were upheld regarding incidents in the rehearsal room, saying it was an "ongoing litany of being verbally abused" by Giovanni and recalling a 35-minute "rant" directed at her, including name-calling. Amanda expressed that, although she is "open to criticism" and doesn't "doesn't make problems or trouble where there isn't any", the dynamic was unpredictable: "There were pockets of time where we got on and it was ok, which was wrong-footing for me because when you're in that room you never knew where you were from one minute to the next and it can make you shut down," she told Victoria.

"I shut down in that room and I was called 'mad' and 'unstable'."

During an interview with Newsnight host Victoria, Amanda, with a tremble in her voice, said: "There were two allegations of inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature. They were upheld and one of them was physical and one was verbal."

A visibly distressed Amanda continued, claiming that these weren't isolated incidents but occurred over seven weeks.

She disclosed that she reported her concerns to producers after just a few days in rehearsals, who she said expressed regret and promised to monitor the situation, which led to cameras being introduced shortly after. Amanda added: "This wasn't an isolated incident and I know it had happened before to other contestants."

Amanda, 50, previously said that she lodged a complaint about dancer Giovanni, 33, whom she was partnered with on the show last year. She accused him of "bullying" and "aggressive behaviour," which Giovanni - who is no longer part of the show - denied as "abusive or threatening behaviour".

The BBC initiated an internal investigation and the results were released earlier this week following the launch of the latest series. Amanda appeared on Newsnight on Wednesday evening (October 2).

The BBC upheld six of the 17 complaints she made.

An inquiry has revealed instances of "inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace".

In response, the BBC said: "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. 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."

A representative for Giovanni said: "We are pleased this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour. Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations put to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season."

Since leaving Strictly in May, Giovanni has secured a place on Italy's Dancing With The Stars, partnering with Bianca Guaccero.

The 20th anniversary series of Strictly commenced on September 14, with chaperones now being present during rehearsals.