The BBC has not undertaken any investigations over Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour on Strictly Come Dancing after Amanda Abbington allegedly sought legal advice.
The Sherlock actress, 51, who withdrew from the competition last year for ‘personal reasons’, is said to have sought video of her practice time with the Italian dancer, 33, after being ‘broken’ by the ‘whole experience’ of the show.
According to the source, Amanda was’really upset by having to spend eight hours a day with Giovanni’ and’spent a lot of time sobbing’, and it took her months to recover from what she went through.
However, another person close to Giovanni has disclosed that he finds’some of these charges terribly unjust and hurtful.’
They told The Sun: ‘He has received support from producers in light of recent events, and they are behind him.
‘A lot of the negativity seems to be born out of professional jealousy, especially among the other pro dancers because he went on to get his own TV show with Anton Du Beke.’
According to the magazine, the BBC met with Giovanni last year to discuss his actions, but no action was taken, and the BBC has apparently opted not to begin an inquiry.
Amanda wanted video from rehearsals with Giovanni when they were still practicing for the programme together, according to reports on Sunday, and was seeking legal advice.
‘There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense,’ a source said at the time.
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They stated that Giovanni, who they described as a ‘perfectionist’, can be ‘incredibly full-on’.
Amanda and Giovanni competed on Strictly for four weeks together, earning a score of 31 out of 40 for their final dance, the Foxtrot.
In week five, the couple were absent from the live show as the Mr Selfridge star was forced to take a week off due to ‘medical reasons’.
She left the competition the following week.
In her statement announcing her exit, she wrote: ‘It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
‘I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.
‘I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. Xxx.’
Following her elimination, it was stated that Amanda was not called back to the Strictly final, despite Nigel Harman, who had withdrawn due to an injury, being spotted in the studio for the grand finale, which saw Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola win the Glitterball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.