Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington is reportedly set to meet with BBC bosses to discuss their handling of the investigation into the show’s bullying scandal.
The Sherlock actress, 50, who quit the dancing competition last year, did so as she made a series of allegations against professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 33.
A months-long investigation was launched into claims that he had bullied her while on the show.
The broadcaster’s probe into the matter upheld a number of the complaints against Pernice – who has always rejected ‘any claim of threatening of abusive behaviour’ -while clearing him of the most serious allegations.
Among their findings, the investigation ruled that Pernice used ‘swear words’ and ‘belittling’ language while they were paired together on Strictly. It also upheld two moments of ‘inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace.’
Sources have now claimed that Abbington will ‘demand answers’ for the ‘unanswered questions’ she still has about the investigation.
A source told The Sun: ‘Amanda is going into a meeting with the BBC tomorrow and she means business.
‘There are a lot of questions she wants answered before she takes her next steps.
‘Amanda had a terrible time on Strictly and while she is grateful to the BBC for apologising to her, there is a lot of ground she wants to go over.
‘She knows the meeting will be dredging up over a lot of old ground which she finds incredibly traumatic. But Amanda is determined to get the answers she needs.’
The tabloid’s insiders revealed that Giovanni is also expected to meet with the BBC in the coming weeks.
The actress pulled out of the BBC One show last year citing ‘personal reasons’, and later claimed she had been subject to a ‘toxic environment’ and ‘inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying’.
The BBC’s investigation uncovered no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, according to the PA news agency.
Following an apology from the broadcaster, Abbington opened up about reported plans to sue, telling The Sun: ‘I want to take the time to consider the report in detail with my advisers before deciding what happens next.’
A source told the publication that Amanda is ‘delighted and relieved’ that some of her accusations were upheld, but feels as though she’s been ‘through hell and back and lost work’ as a result of her going public.
They added that the Sherlock actress is ‘is considering taking further action against the BBC for damages and loss of earnings,’ revealing how she was formally diagnosed with PTSD as a result of her experience.
Pernice, meanwhile, has spoken out in his first TV interview since the verdict, telling Christine Lampard on Lorraine how he felt ‘relieved’ and wanted to ‘have his side of the story heard now.’
Upon concluding their probe, the BBC said in a statement: ‘The BBC has now concluded its review.
‘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.
‘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.’
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