Giovanni Pernice breaks silence after BBC Strictly Come Dancing investigation results unveiled

The BBC have confirmed the outcome of their internal investigation after Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice was accused of bullying by actress Amanda Abbington

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence after the results of the BBC investigation confirmed he did not "behave inappropriately" with his dance partners.

On Monday afternoon, it was revealed that months of waiting for the outcome of the probe had come to an end and bosses have ruled that the Italian dancer was not abusive, threatening or intimidating. They also confirmed there was no aggressive or physical conduct. The BBC also apologised to Amanda saying it had assessed and upheld “some, but not all, of the complaints made”.

Breaking his silence, a spokesman for Giovanni said the dancer was "pleased" that the review into the complaints by Amanda "has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour."

The long-running dance competition has faced months of controversy over claims about what it had apparently been like behind the scenes in previous years. Fans have been awaiting news on the outcome of the internal investigation for weeks. The results of the reports have come weeks after Strictly returned to screens for its 20th-anniversary series.

The scandal included claims by actor Amanda Abbington, 50, who complained about her former dance partner Giovanni, 34. They were partnered together on last year's series and Amanda made allegations of "bullying" and "aggressive behaviour," but professional dancer Giovanni denied "abusive or threatening behaviour".

She questioned his teaching methods and described his behaviour as "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean" and in one interview, Amanda compared the BBC show to "the trenches" as she told Channel 4 News the broadcaster's producers had been left "horrified" by clips that proved her allegations of "humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature." The 50-year-old star was on the show for several weeks but pulled out early.

It was previously claimed that the BBC wanted to draw a line under the scandal before the new series launched earlier this month. The Sun reported that "the £250,000 probe has now reviewed all evidence, " adding that Amanda was prepared for "bad news" as she suspected bosses to have "sided" with him.

A source told the outlet: "The BBC are hopeful they will finally be able to share the findings of the probe but considering there have been so many delays, nothing is set in stone. It is accepted the dossier won't be released in full but instead, a simple statement may be put out covering the conclusion. Either way, there are many interested parties and it could pave the way for more celebrities or crew members to speak up."

Another insider claimed the report took a long time to be released due to other BBC scandals. They said: "They’re still reeling from the fallout of the Huw Edwards scandal so they didn’t want to be juggling two major crises at the same time." However, they claimed only small parts of the reports were ever going to be shown to the public.

Giovanni, in one of his statements, released in July, told fans that he has "always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour," adding at the time: "I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth."

Amid the controversy, the BBC announced that same month that it was introducing "additional steps to strengthen welfare and support" on the show moving forward. They are said to include now having a production team member present in training room rehearsals "at all times".

Meanwhile, Giovanni has moved on from Strictly and joined the Italian version called Ballando con le Stelle with dance partner and actress Bianca Guaccero.

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