BBC boss Tim Davie says the Strictly Come Dancing investigation outcome is “pretty close”.
The BBC director general has said that the investigation into Amanda Abbington’s allegations that she was mistreated by her professional partner Giovanni Pernice is almost at the point of an answer.
However, he said that he did not commit to publishing the overall findings.
It was expected that an outcome would be reached by the time that the 2024 series of the dancing show began, but this did not happen.
The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing started at the weekend with several famous faces taking to the dancefloor.
Tim told Amol Rajan on BBC Radio 4’s Today show: “Many things in life would be useful, but we have to do the process.” Amanda Abbington was a contestant on the 2023 season of the long-running BBC dance competition.
She was partnered with 33-year-old professional Giovanni Pernice and reports initially implied there was a strong friendship between the two. However, they dropped out of the series after six weeks after saying the reason was health issues.
By the beginning of this year, new details painted emerged of reported abusive behind-the-scenes behaviour that led Amanda to leave the show. She then launched a complaint against the BBC show, accusing Giovanni of abusive behaviour. Giovanni has denied the accusations.
Reports have suggested the investigation is going to clear Giovanni but this has not been confirmed. A source told The Sun on Sunday: “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.
“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.”
Giovanni recently revealed he has landed a role on the Italian version of the show. He shared a video via Instagram announcing the news. The professional dancer said: “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.
