Amanda Abbington makes damning statement to pals about BBC amid fears bosses are ‘protecting’ Giovanni in Strictly probe
AMANDA Abbington is in a rage with BBC bosses over fears their Giovanni Pernice bullying probe will be a “whitewash”.
The report has been completed and is ready to be published within days.
A friend of Amanda said: “She’s deeply disappointed with the BBC. She thinks it feels like such a boys’ club.
“As well as the probe taking so long, it feels like they are protecting Giovanni to save themselves and ignoring not only her experience but that of other women who’ve bravely come forward.
“Amanda feels tired, upset and very angry with the way it’s all been handled.
“She is worried there will be a predictable whitewash and others will, once again, suffer from aggression and abuse.”
A separate source told The Sun on Sunday that during the inquiry Amanda was asked again about an explicit video Giovanni shared with her.
The source said: “In their very first interview with Amanda, investigators told her that they fully believed her account of events.”
But the source added Amanda now feels as if investigators, and others at the BBC, doubt at least some of her complaints.
Corporation chiefs hope to announce the results before the new Strictly series kicks off on Saturday.
A BBC source said: “The investigation is done and dusted now.
“The team are just finalising a few points then they will announce the findings within days.
“Dozens of witnesses have been spoken to, including many of Giovanni’s former dance partners.
“All were contacted to see if they wanted to provide information and many now have.
“Giovanni and Amanda have both made it clear to investigators they also just want to hear the results so that will now happen very shortly.
“Producers are desperate that the new series can kick off without the shadow of this investigation hanging over the programme.”
But we can also reveal there is a fear within the BBC the report could open the floodgates to new claims against the flagship show.
Amanda feels tired, upset and very angry with the way it’s all been handled.
A friend of Amanda
The insider added: “The BBC are bracing themselves for the possibility that, whatever they announce, their findings could be challenged and appealed, not just by Amanda.
“They are also preparing themselves for the possibility that former contestants and staffers could complain.
“This could include claims for compensation that end up costing the corporation a fortune.”
Amanda quit last October, saying she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on the show.
She is being advised by lawyers with a view to lodging a claim for loss of earnings.
The inquiry has heard she suffered a bruised foot at rehearsals, that Giovanni grabbed his crotch in front of dance partners while making lewd comments, and a phone was thrown across the room.
TV presenter Laura Whitmore, 39, who danced with Giovanni in 2016, also revealed that she complained to the BBC eight years ago about his inappropriate behaviour.
She said she and six other people had spoken to BBC investigators probing Amanda’s complaint.
Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh is understood to have complained about her treatment by partner Giovanni in the 2020 series.
This June it was revealed that Giovanni — who denies any wrongdoing — would not be returning to Strictly.
Yesterday he announced he was joining the Italian version, Ballando con le Stelle.
He said: “I’m excited because finally I’m back on the dancefloor and hopefully I’ll create some new magic. I’m very happy.”
The BBC declined to comment on the probe last night.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.