Major update in Strictly Come Dancing investigation as BBC boss speaks out

BBC director general Tim Davie has issued an update on the investigation into Amanda Abbington's claims she was mistreated by her professional partner Giovanni Pernice

BBC chief Tim Davie has revealed that the Strictly Come Dancing investigation is nearing its conclusion. The director general of the BBC stated that the probe into Amanda Abbington's claims of mistreatment by her dance partner Giovanni Pernice is close to a resolution, but he did not commit to making the findings public.

It was anticipated that a decision would be reached before the start of the 2024 series of the popular dance show, but this did not materialise. The latest season of Strictly Come Dancing kicked off over the weekend, with a host of celebrities hitting the dance floor.

Speaking to Amol Rajan on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Tim said: "Many things in life would be useful, but we have to do the process." Amanda Abbington competed in the 2023 season of the long-standing BBC dance contest.

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She was paired with 33 year old professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and initial reports suggested a strong bond between the pair. However, after six weeks they withdrew from the competition citing health issues as the reason, reports the Mirror.

As the new year began, fresh details emerged about alleged abusive behaviour behind the scenes that led to Amanda's departure from the show. She subsequently lodged a complaint against the BBC programme, accusing Giovanni of abusive conduct.

Giovanni has refuted these allegations. Reports suggest that the investigation might end up exonerating Giovanni Pernice, although this hasn't been officially confirmed. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, a source disclosed: "Whatever the outcome of the inquiry, Amanda has no regrets. She knows what went on in that rehearsal room. And she knows it was unacceptable. Amanda has given the BBC all the information she can to help them with the investigation."

The insider continued, revealing Amanda's feelings about the BBC's response: "Amanda was greatly reassured during her first interview when she was told by the BBC investigators that her account was fully believed - and now it is down to the corporation to release their findings. Her biggest concern, from day one, has been to ensure that others don't have to go through the same traumatic experience that she has."

In a lighter note, Giovanni has announced through an Instagram video that he'll be joining Italy's 'Ballando Con Le Stelle,' the Italian equivalent of Dancing with the Stars. He expressed his excitement: "Hi everyone, it's me, Giovanni. I hope everyone is having a nice rest of the summer. I'm here in Portofino just finished two fantastic weeks with my family."

He revealed more about his new role: "Exciting news because I can finally reveal that from next week I will be joining the cast of Ballando Con Le Stelle which is the equivalent of Dancing with the Stars Italian version of course. I'm excited because finally I'm back on the dance floor and hopefully I will create some new magic on the dance floor. So I'm very, very happy about it."

The Mirror has reached out to the BBC for a statement.